A MAN has pleaded guilty to failing to disclose his Facebook password as part of the Lucy McHugh murder probe.

Stephen-Alan Paul Nicholson, 24, from Southampton, admitted the charge during a hearing at Southampton Crown Court this morning.

The 24-year-old was jailed for 14 months today.

Prosecuting, Matthew Lawson told the court Nicholson was living with 13-year-old Lucy until several days before the Redbridge Community School student was found at the Sports Centre, on Thursday, July 26.

Speaking in court, Mr Lawson said: "Nicholson was arrested for murder and sexual activity with a child charges following the tragic death of 13-year-old Lucy McHugh in Southampton.

“The defendant was a family friend who was residing at the home of Lucy until several days before her death. He was interviewed by police.

"The defendant admitted contacting Lucy on Facebook on the evening before and morning of her disappearance."

Mr Lawson added: “He was required to provide passwords because of these claims.

“He refused to disclose this.”

Mitigating on behalf of Nicholson, Richard Tutt said Nicholson didn't want to hand over his password because police may find information about cannabis on his Facebook.

Mr Tutt said: “Nicholson explained to the police when asked to provide his password within his Facebook account, they would find information relating to cannabis and he was concerned that should that information be revealed he and members of his family would be at risk.”

Judge Christopher Parker QC sentenced Nicholson to 14 months imprisonment.

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