Dad charged with murder of daughter Minnie Merriman, 9, in Arbroath due in court today

A DAD charged with murdering nine-year-old schoolgirl Minnie Merriman in Arbroath is due to appear in court again today. Christopher Rice, 35, is alleged to have killed his daughter, who was found seriously injured at an industrial estate in the town on August 3. Tragic schoolgirl Minnie Merriman, 9, was allegedly murdered by her dad in Arbroath Credit: Police Scotland Christopher Rice was charged with Minnie’s death and is set to appear in court again Credit: Andrew Barr He was charged in connection with her alleged murder and initially appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court last week. Rice, from West Yorkshire, was led into the court in cuffs by officers on August 5. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! He made no plea and was remanded in custody. He is expected to return to the dock today, August 13, for a private hearing. Minnie had been on a family camping trip when she was found fatally injured shortly after midnight on August 3. Emergency services raced to the Elliot Industrial Estate after the alarm was raised and the youngster was rushed to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she later died. We previously reported how Minnie was discovered after the family’s camping trip led them to pitch a tent within the estate. Witnesses told of their surprise at the family’s makeshift campsite, less than a mile from the seafront, after they were seen cooking on an outdoor stove just hours before Minnie was found injured. Most read in The Sun Minnie was rushed to hospital along with three other patients before she died. In a tribute following her death Minnie’s devastated family described her as their “beautiful and brave Minnie Moo”. Minnie’s heartbroken mum Laurie Eve Merriman left a devastating tribute at the scene in the days that followed, saying she will be “eternally connected” to her daughter. A note from the mum read: “To my darling Minnie Moo. “Wherever you are, we’re still connected eternally. “I love you my girl. “Mammy will carry your strength always.” More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Scottish Sun. Thescottishsun.co.uk is your go to destination for the best celebrity news, football news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thescottishsun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheScottishSun.