Shock as man denies murder of 7-year-old Nikki Allan despite DNA evidence
Horrific 1992 killing in Sunderland
Seven-year-old Nikki Allan was brutally attacked in Sunderland’s Old Exchange building back in October 1992. She was hit with a brick and stabbed multiple times in a chilling crime that shocked the community.
David Boyd denies murder despite DNA linking him to victim
Now, almost 30 years later, David Boyd – known as David Smith when Nikki was killed – stands trial at Newcastle Crown Court, denying the murder charge. Boyd was a neighbour of Nikki’s on Wear Garth.
Jurors heard DNA matching Boyd’s was found under Nikki’s right armpit on her T-shirt and on her leggings’ waistband. These are exactly where her attacker would have grabbed her to lift her through a broken boarded-up window into the Old Exchange building.
Boyd claims DNA got there by chance
In police interviews from 2018 and 2019, Boyd admitted he was spitting off his third-floor veranda the night Nikki disappeared. His bizarre defence? Nikki must have walked underneath his spit, or perhaps wiped her hands on it, explaining the presence of his DNA.
Forensic expert James Chapman told the court no saliva was found on Nikki’s clothes, but cheek cells – which can be in spit – can leave DNA traces. Detectives have also flagged inconsistencies in Boyd’s story and noted he was familiar with the Old Exchange, having used the same broken window days before the attack.
Fateful night captured by witnesses
The court heard how a young girl was spotted walking with a man from nearby flats towards the derelict building just before 10pm on October 7, 1992. Seconds later, witnesses heard a scream.
Nikki’s body was found in the basement of the Old Exchange the following morning by those searching for her.
The trial continues as jurors piece together this haunting cold case.
