A MAN has appeared in court charged with the murder of seven-year-old, Nikki Allen who was found dead in 1992.
David Thomas Boy, 54, of Norton near Stockton, appeared before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Monday, May 23.
Nikki was found dead in the Old Exchange Building, which is now a luxury wedding and conference venue, near her family home in October 1992.
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The young girl had been at her grandparents’ flat in the same block that she lived,in the east end of Sunderland.
But, while making the short journey home, she went missing and a desperate search was launched.
The following morning she was found inside the then-derelict building after her coat and shoes were spotted. She had been stabbed 37 times.
In court, Boyd was remanded in custody and will next appear at Newcastle Crown Court on Tuesday, May 24.
After he appeared in court, Northumbria Police moved to reassure the public that unsolved are never closed.
Northumbria Police Assistant Chief Constable David Felton said: “This is an extremely tragic case and our thoughts very much continue to be with the family and friends of Nikki Allan.
“A significant investigation has been ongoing ever since Nikki’s death 30 years ago.
“As with any unsolved cases of this nature, they are never closed. Our dedicated teams constantly review the evidence and follow any new investigative leads that may come to light.
“I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Nikki’s family for their patience and co-operation and we will continue to offer them any support they may need.”
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