Man faces trial for '˜murder bid and sexual assault' of girl aged 4

A MAN is to stand trial charged with trying to kill and sexually assault a four year-old girl at various locations, including Armadale, West Lothian.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Aug 2018, 16:25 BST
Updated 16th Aug 2018, 18:58 BST

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Lady Dorrian fixed a trial for November in Edinburgh.Lady Dorrian fixed a trial for November in Edinburgh.
Lady Dorrian fixed a trial for November in Edinburgh.

William McArthur today faced the allegations at the High Court in Glasgow.

It is claimed he attempted to murder the child between October 2017 and January this year.

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The charge includes accusations the 35 year-old bit her and did “inflict blunt force trauma” by means unknown.

He faces a separate allegation that – between the same dates – he also sexually attacked the girl.

The crimes are said to have occurred at different locations including Armadale, West Lothian.

McArthur faces a further charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

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Prosecutors state, amongst other claims, that he told a woman the girl was hurt by “accidental means”.

Make up is also said to have been put on the child to hide any injuries.

McArthur also today faced a number of other charges including the rape of two women, assaulting a one year-old boy and brandishing a knife at a six year-old girl.

Donald Findlay QC, defending, pled not guilty on his behalf today.

Lady Dorrian fixed a trial due to begin in November in Edinburgh.

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