Tobin in court over Vicky murder

The body of Vicky Hamilton was found at a house in Kent last year

A man has appeared in court accused of murdering missing schoolgirl Vicky Hamilton and cutting her body in two.

In a brief appearance at the High Court in Edinburgh, Peter Tobin, 62, pleaded not guilty to attempting to defeat the ends of justice, abduction and murder.

His trial is due to start on 3 November at the High Court in Dundee.

Vicky, 15, from Redding, near Falkirk, was last seen more than 17 years ago while waiting for a bus in Bathgate, West Lothian.

'False trail'

Her body was found last year in the garden of a house in Margate, Kent.

The indictment alleges that Mr Tobin made the teenager go with him to his then home in Robertson Avenue, Bathgate, and there, or elsewhere, he assaulted and drugged her.

It is claimed that he carried out a serious indecent assault as well as struggling with the teenager and causing an injury to her neck.

He is also accused of trying to cover up the murder by hiding Vicky's body, disposing of her clothes and other belongings and trying to lead police on a false trail by leaving her purse under a portable cabin.

Special defence

The accused further denies bisecting Vicky's body, wrapping her in bin bags, hiding the knives he had used and then "concealing transporting and burying" her body parts.

Mr Tobin played no part in the 10-minute hearing but defence advocate Victoria Young said a special defence of alibi was being prepared.

She said a search for potential defence witnesses was also under way.

Judge Lord Kinclaven remanded Mr Tobin into custody pending his next court appearance.

Members of Vicky's family were in court for the brief hearing.