Potential jurors in the trial of a man accused of the 1992 murder of a seven-year-old girl have been urged to put emotions to one side if they try the case.

Schoolgirl Nikki Allan was found dead in a derelict building near her home in Wear Garth, Sunderland, in October 1992.

David Boyd, 55, of Chesterton Court, Norton, Stockton, Teesside, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court where he denies murder.

Mrs Justice Lambert assembled a large panel of jurors ahead of the final selection and outlined the case to them.

She said: “This case concerns the murder of a seven-year-old girl.

“The name of that seven-year-old girl is Nikki Allan.

“The murder took place in the Hendon area of Sunderland, a long time ago, in 1992.”

She said the defendant had also been known by the surnames Smith and Bell.

Wearing a white T-shirt and with tattoos on his neck and arms, Boyd was asked to stand up in the dock so the potential jurors could see him.

The panel was asked if they would be able to put their emotions to one side, as Mrs Justice Lambert said: “You must put all sorts of normal responses to one side and approach the case dispassionately.”

Potential jurors were told the trial could last up to five weeks and were asked to fill out a questionnaire about their availability.

A list of witnesses or people whose names may be mentioned in the trial was read out, including that of George Heron who has previously been on trial for the schoolgirl’s murder.

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Gill Batts, the junior prosecuting counsel, said: “In 1993 at Leeds Crown Court, a man called George Heron was prosecuted for the murder of Nikki Allan.

“Do you know him, or have any connection to him?”

The jury selection is expected to continue this afternoon (Wednesday, April 19).