Jenny Nicholl

6th. October 1985 to 30th. June 2005.

9th. Anniversary - 2014



30^th June 2011

It is now six years since Jenny never came home and we still do not know exactly what happened to her or where she is. We do know that David Hodgson has been convicted of her murder and is serving an 18 year life sentence.

There have been two high profile cases in the news in recent weeks that appear very pertinent. The first was that of Albert Dryden, convicted 19 years ago for the murder of a local planning officer in County Durham. Apparently Dryden has never shown any remorse for the killing or even admitted that what he did was wrong. Consequently, it appears that there are no plans by the parole board to release him. We hope this gives Hodgson something to think about as he has not admitted his guilt, let alone show any remorse whatsoever, or indicate what he did to Jenny and where he has put her remains. We trust his sentence in prison will be much longer than the minimum 18 years.

The second story within the last week was the trial and subsequent conviction of Levi Bellfield for the murder of 13 year old Milly Dowler. This was a horrific and tragic case and our hearts go out to Milly’s parents and sister. There were many similarities in the appalling way the family had to endure accusations and torment delivered by the justice system. The family are probably no different than any other yet defence lawyers insist on dragging out intimate details of family life before the media. This is often muddled with far-fetched allegations made by the defence then reported on as if it were the truth when usually it is without direct relevance. It is one thing correctly representing the defendant but it is quite another when the defence counsel appears to actively join in what is often, a very fanciful yarn spun by the defendant. They hide behind the cliché of ‘defending their client fearlessly’...perhaps it is their own reputation they are trying to defend. Let’s hope that the dreadful way in which the Dowler family were treated and let down by the system leads to some much needed change.

The Dowler’s echoed a question put by a member of our family: “Who is on trial here, our family, Jenny or Hodgson?” As family, at least we can answer for ourselves...as we said at the time; Jenny’s very soul was shaken to the core and needlessly besmirched while her body lay where Hodgson put it and only he knows. David Hodgson is to blame for the many heinous and wild accusations but he was assisted by the justice system and in particular his defence counsel. Despite the legal guidelines they hide behind...perhaps they too should feel ashamed.

As ever, we will be thinking of Jenny on 30^th June, as we do every day.

The Nicholl Family

30^th June 2010

Thank you for the Days

Year after year -

It does not get any easier finding things to say to mark the anniversary of Jenny’s disappearance without reference to David Hodgson, who has been convicted of her murder and is serving an 18 year life sentence. If anything, this dreadful 5 year benchmark makes us more determined to ensure that when the 18 year point arrives, we will make a staunch representation to the Parole Board to remind them that David Hodgson has not disclosed what he has done to Jenny and where he has disposed of her body. He knows how he can do this if he so chooses, but it is our intention to convey to the board, the precise length of time it has taken him to accept responsibility, if indeed he ever does. We trust that they will take this into consideration, as is their duty, before declining his application for parole and release on licence. We have no wish to communicate with the man whatsoever; nevertheless, we feel we owe it to Jenny to state our feelings. So, if David Hodgson manages to see this blog, or there is anyone who might have the desire to visit him, maybe someone will let him know that he is not the only one - ‘counting the days’.

Another Year On

We could all think of a song or piece of music that fills us full of emotion or makes us think of someone we love. There are many such songs that remind us of Jenny as she was so keen on playing her guitar and loved listening to bands. At the weekend we watched coverage of the Glastonbury festival and heard a song that we had never really associated with Jenny. It was sang by Ray Davies, who wrote it for the Kinks called “Days” (Thank you for the Days) and it just seemed so fitting, a few days before this anniversary. There is a link at the bottom of this page to a video clip of the Kinks performing it, (Kirsty MacColl also sang it) if you are unsure which song it is.

We remember Jenny all the time......... each time you hear this song in future, we hope you will remember and think of Jenny too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzpShIhvrjU

30th June 2009

The Failed Appeal.

On Tuesday 31st March 2009, at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, 3 Appeal Court judges ruled that there was “compelling” evidence that David Hodgson murdered Jenny on 30th June 2005. The appeal centred around new evidence from a forensic linguist, that quite frankly, was weak to put it mildly. Lady Justice Hallett commented that the new evidence “did nothing” to boost the defence’s case. One could argue that it was a complete waste of taxpayer’s money, though our justice system has evolved in a way that allows the defence team to almost automatically launch an appeal no matter how futile or ludicrous it may seem.

At the very least, the failed appeal has strengthened the conviction and it was reassuring to listen to the judges question the new evidence. The wry grin so often displayed by Jamie Hill QC, for Hodgson, gave way to subservient nods as it became increasingly clear that their case was about to be dismissed. It has also reaffirmed the total selfishness that David Hodgson has displayed throughout and we hope that slowly but surely, the misplaced loyalty acted out by some members of his family, will start to subside. They too, have some soul searching to do as they sought to blame Jenny for their woe’s and embarked on some rather unpleasant activities. Lady Justice Hallett in her summing up, said Hodgson had become “over possessive” and prone to “manhandling” Jenny........... traits that he has displayed with others throughout his meagre life.

Maybe then, we may see some signs of acceptance for what he has done, though to be frank, his selfishness has become so ingrained, it might even be of benefit to society as the longer he maintains this stance, the longer he will remain in prison.

Many kind words were said about Jenny during the summing up and it was very clear from the outset, that the 3 judges were very well prepared, as you would expect. It also gave us some solace as for the first time, Jenny has been portrayed more accurately and her wee soul didn’t have to be shaken anymore, like it was at the trial in 2008...... by David Hodgson, his defence team and certain members of his family. Sometimes we feel like saying things much stronger, but we have always promised not to allow ourselves to display the same low standards that certain others have displayed.


Another Year On

It will be 4 years on Tuesday 30th June 2009, since Jenny took that fateful journey from home and never returned. We think of her daily and as we watched the Glastonbury Festival over the weekend, we wondered which bands Jenny would have liked? Which new bands would she have taken to? Which songs would she have tried to learn on her guitar and strummed away in her bedroom? Which festivals would she have gone to over the last 4 years if she had not needlessly been taken from us? Jenny liked music and it’s one way in which we can remember her.

As ever, Jenny is constantly in our thoughts and prayers and we hope she remains in yours too.

Brian & Ann

Friday 26th. June

An update will be posted here on Monday 29th June 2009, the day before the 4th anniversary of Jenny's disappearance. The post will provide some information on the recent failed appeal by David Hodgson's legal team. We will of course, be remembering Jenny.

30th. June 2008

Despite the Successful Conviction of David Hodgson for Murder - We Still Don’t Know Where Jenny Is.

It was never our intention to use this blog site to have a go at anyone or any of the processes that we have been through. However, we believe the time has come to speak up on behalf of Jenny, whose very soul has been rattled and shaken to the core during the trial at the beginning of 2008. Jenny can’t speak for herself now and many inaccurate comments were made by the defence in court and the manner, in which certain aspects have been reported, leaves certain statements unchallenged, unchecked and hanging in the air. As parents, we simply want to put a few things right.

Whilst an appeal against his conviction is underway, we have decided that we will wait until that process is exhausted before we launch a more vocal and direct stance on any individual and numerous issues. For now, we will stick to only what has already been widely reported and we therefore, see no interference whatsoever in what we are saying. I mention this as David Hodgson’s defence tried every available means to stop people leaving messages of support on this BlogSpot, despite it never having carried any derogatory remarks about Hodgson or anything that would affect his trial. It didn’t seem to affect him by talking to the press before the case or any other aspects of his behaviour, though we don’t want to give any ammunition to his defence and listen to them griping about the blog like they did even before the trial had started. We have as much right as the media or anyone else that was in court to make comment and as I have mentioned, we will do more of that in the future but for now, we will do it on Jenny’s behalf.

To highlight the fact that Jenny has still not been found and for the benefit of a large number of people that do not live in the North East and may not have seen much of the coverage, a few aspects of the Judge’s sentencing speech are listed below:

Mr Justice Openshaw, the Trial Judge said:

“The defendant’s concealment of her body has prolonged the anguish and agony of her family and friends as they waited for news of her fate”

“After he killed her, the defendant retained her mobile phone and on two separate days sent bogus text messages from the phone - as if from her – first to her friends and then to her father, cruelly pretending that she was still alive and that she had run away. He was, of course, intending, thereby, to prevent the missing person inquiry turning into a murder investigation”

“Naturally, her family found any slight hope that the messages might be genuine and so their uncertainty extended from weeks to months, until the gradual realisation that she must be dead, and that she has been murdered.”

“Even now, they have been denied such solace as can be found from a funeral and from providing for her a decent dignified and reverent disposal of her remains as they wish. I do not doubt that the thought that she is lying somewhere up on the moors will continue to inflict further pain on her long suffering family. The defendant has shown not the slightest regret or remorse”

“Where he had hidden and disposed of her body only the defendant knows, because on these matters he has remained silent. No doubt, he buried her somewhere in the woods or threw her body down one of the many potholes or mineshafts which are found throughout Swaledale. The defendant then casually returned home in the morning greeting his wife as if nothing had happened.”

There are other parts of the Judge’s remarks that we would like to comment on and indeed various aspects of what was said in court, but we will wait until sometime in the future to have our say. For now, it is the picture that the defence tried to paint of Jenny, a 19 year old girl, that we feel is appropriate to remark on. From the outset, we are fully aware that any defence counsel has a duty to represent their client to the best of their ability. It is their job to put across the arguments that the defendant makes. However, it is a totally different story altogether when they appear to join in with the fabrication or make repugnant remarks of their own. We sat in court every single day of the trial and listened to some of the biggest tosh we have ever heard. Some may think this is necessary in our justice system, but we can assure you, when you see or hear such drivel first hand, about a daughter that has been murdered and you see the wry grins on the faces of the defence day after day when asking fastidious questions, it makes you wonder. Not very practicable, but very theatrical and sometimes it appeared as a nauseating game.

Many of Jenny’s close friends were reduced to tears in the witness box as the defence attempted to paint a picture of Jenny that she was a drunkard, a drug addict, a drug dealer, her hypothetical dating habits (there was an admission of lies about this later in the trial) and so on and on it went. I doubt very much that any of these young people would ever consider giving evidence to any investigation again as many of them were unnecessarily humiliated and intimidated into agreeing to what appeared to be ‘very selectable’ strands of truths or depraved allegations made by the defence. All this, in an attempt to blacken Jenny’s name....... why? So much claptrap was covered that after only a few days it was very, very noticeable that those sitting in the press area, suddenly perked up in their seats and began scribbling away, only when certain words were spoken. Words such as ‘sex, drugs, alcohol’ or just about any statement that may indicate a possible lurid or tabloid story would attract their attention. No such signs of activity or scribbles about certain other serious matters and we shall amplify on those in the future when we decide the time is appropriate.

It’s not right, particularly as it does not paint the correct picture and appeared to have no point. It could have been any 19 year old and indeed there are many ‘normal’ teenagers that would have had a character assassination much worse than the one the defence tried with Jenny. What did they hope to achieve? Were they trying to say to the jury that Jenny’s lifestyle was so bad that it didn’t matter that she had been murdered? Even if it had all been accurate, which it certainly was not, what did it achieve, what was the purpose?

Unfortunately, the ways in which certain things are reported by the media leave huge pieces hanging in the air. Absurd remarks during cross examination by the defence are reported in a manner such as......”the court heard today, that blah blah blah” or “the defence counsel told the jury that, such and such” and sometimes it is never put in the right context or is fully explained that the substance came from the defendant and indeed often a few days later, it would become obviously apparent that it could not have been true. Often, this would go unreported or it is just not joined up with other relevant material and it is appalling that such bitter statements about Jenny went unchallenged or unchecked. Many people have asked us questions since the trial and they are stunned when we explain it all in more detail. One person remarked to us; “Who is on trial here, David Hodgson or Jenny?”

Of course it is up to the prosecution to prove the case and the defence don’t have to do a single thing if they choose not too. However, if they do, it appears they can come up with all sorts of nonsense and sadly our criminal justice system allows it. Sitting in court, in the public gallery listening to endless baloney, it is frustrating when you hear lies; particularly when you know you could probably prove otherwise or offer other information..... and you have to sit there and bite your lip, saying nothing. How come the prosecution can remain dignified and polite to all concerned and still achieve their aim, yet the defence can attempt to rip witnesses to shreds in what appears to be a sardonic mocking fashion and much of it goes unchallenged? The defence also tried to ridicule the Police at every opportunity and it became blatantly obvious what their distorted methods were.

We guess it’s because it was just as we said earlier, its complete twaddle and unnecessary. It just makes us sad that it happens and as parents, we will continue to counter any scenario that anyone puts forward about Jenny if it goes unchecked or is not put in proportion. It’s the very least we can do.

Anyone who knew Jenny knows that she was fun and got on with everyone. She went out of her way to help others and was well liked and respected. We don’t need to justify that any further or disprove much of what the defence said. Suffice to say that it was nowhere near an accurate depiction of Jenny and she did not deserve to be talked about in the way they described. How dare they besmirch her memory....... shame on them!

Three Years On.

It will be 3 years on Monday 30th June 2008 since Jenny walked out of our home, and was never seen again. She is missed dearly. The family will mark this 3rd anniversary privately and in their own way. Jenny has still not been found and only time will tell if we will ever be able to put her to rest. In the meantime, she is always in our thoughts and prayers and we will never forget her.

More to say at an appropriate time in the future..........................

Ann & Brian Nicholl

Thank you to everyone who posts here, we appreciate all the kind words.

TRIAL VERDICT

THE PERSON CHARGED WITH MURDERING JENNY WAS FOUND GUILTY ON TUESDAY 19-02-08.

ON WEDNESDAY 20-02-08 HE WAS SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT WITH A MINIMUM TARIFF OF 18 YEARS BEFORE HE CAN APPLY FOR PAROLE.

A FURTHER UPDATE WILL BE ADDED TO THIS BLOG AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

WE CAN NOW ACCEPT NEW MESSAGES.

ANYONE WISHING TO, MAY DO SO BY CLICKING "COMMENTS" AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE. PLEASE ADD NEW MESSAGES ON THIS PAGE.

AS USUAL, PREVIOUS POSTS AND COMMENTS ARE FOUND AT THE RIGHT OF THIS PAGE.

ANN AND BRIAN.

SPRING UPDATE.

Spring Update

THE PERSON CHARGED WITH MURDERING JENNY WAS TODAY ( 19/02/08) FOUND GUILTY. HE WILL BE SENTENCED ON 20/02/08 AT 10.30.

A FURTHER UPDATE WILL BE ADDED TO THIS BLOG AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, AS WILL NEW COMMENTS.

General

We would like to start this Spring Update with a 'Thank You' to everyone who has kept us and of course Jenny, in their thoughts and prayers. We are grateful for the kind words that people say to us and for all the posts here on this Blog. Anyone is welcome to leave a message here, it is not just for family and I know some of you were not sure whether to post or not. As this update will be on a new page, it will look like all the previous comments have disappeared, they haven't, they will be in one of the archives and you can link to them on the right of this page. We look at all the messages of support regularly and check the archives now and then for any that are inadvertently left there. So, if you are new to the site, scroll through all of the archives and see the previous posts and find out about Jenny's plight, but if you wish to leave a comment, please return to this page and click on 'comments' at the bottom of the page.

Tree Planted

In March we had a tree planted for Jenny and a plaque placed on a small post at the bottom. It is a Dawn Redwood, which is a deciduous conifer and is fast growing. Although it is a conifer, because it is deciduous, it sheds it's needles each autumn. Before it does, it looks very beautiful as it changes through several colours from green to a reddish golden brown and gold. The trunk of the tree will in time, be covered in a beautiful red soft bark. Jenny's tree is just starting to bud, so it looks a bit bare at the moment compared to others, but it will soon take off! We don't want to advertise to the wider world exactly where the tree is just yet, but anyone who wants to visit, just call us or email and we will give you directions. The park wardens, who arranged everything and planted the tree for us, have been great and they have taken a personal interest in it.

The Investigation

We know it has been a while since we have updated this site or sent out an update email and a lot of you have been asking what is happening. The investigation is very much "still on the go" though (frustratingly) for obvious reasons, we are not able to go into any detail in this forum. We are sure however, that you will all take some comfort in knowing that it has not gone away or been closed down....... far from it!

Fingers crossed,

THERE ARE SOME MORE PHOTOS OF THE TREE AND PLAQUE UNDER "PHOTOS" POSTING ON RIGHT SIDE OF THIS PAGE. CLICK EACH PHOTO TO ENLARGE THEN "BACK" ON YOUR BROWSER. SAME CAN BE DONE WITH THE ABOVE PHOTOS.

MAN CHARGED!!!

David Hodgson, of Richmond North Yorkshire, was formally charged in court on 16 May 2007 with Jenny's murder. He has been remanded in custody and a trial date is expected to be set for very early in 2008.

Unfortunately (though understandably) we have been asked not to accept any further posts until the trial has finished. We'll let you know when you can resume commenting.

Thank you all for your support.



Ann and Brian.

PHOTOS

SORRY ABOUT THE LAYOUT FOLKS.

CHRISTMAS UPDATE

Christmas Update

To keep Jenny's profile up over Xmas, boxes of small candles (tea-lights) have been placed in various shops in Richmond, inviting people to take one and light it for Jenny over Xmas. Over 1000 have been distributed so far and they are proving to be very popular as some of the outlets have been asking for more! The candles have been wrapped in clear cellophane with pink hearts and tied with ribbon. Attached to the candle is a small business card with a little poem on one side and Jenny's picture on the other, along with the blogspot details and asking people to light a candle for Jenny. We are so so grateful to a 'posse' of friends who have gathered together on a number of occasions to make these little gifts and distribute them. (One in particular, who has taken the lead and I won't name that person here.....but we are so indebted to you for arranging this). Also on the Xmas tree in the Co-Op where Jenny worked, mock presents have been hung, which have photographs of Jenny on the front of them. Some posters have also been refreshed, with different wording on them, to bring the point home, that Jenny has still not been found. Before Christmas, larger candles will be placed in about 3 of the pubs that Jenny played pool in. These have little miniature posters on 3 sides of each of them, with photo's and little statements.


Don't forget to light a candle yourselves for Jenny over Xmas, keep your fingers crossed and pray that soon, we will get something substantial and positive, as soon as possible in the New Year.

Brian & Ann
ANYONE WISHING TO CAN STILL LEAVE A MESSAGE BY CLICKING "COMMENTS" AT BOTTOM OF THIS POST.

THE "COMMENTS" FACILITY IS FOR ANYONE TO LEAVE A MESSAGE. THE FAMILY TAKE GREAT COMFORT READING THEM.

SO KEEP POSTING PLEASE !!!

21st Birthday Memories For Jenny.

It is with special memories that we think of Jenny at this time as she would have been 21 years of age on Friday 6th October 2006. She was a gentle, unique young woman who should have been here with us to celebrate this day. Tragically she is not and as our daughter we will carry her in our hearts and minds forevermore.

Jenny was not a difficult teenager though she had her moments; just like any other. Just before Jenny's terrible demise, she had spoken of her aspirations and how she planned to change a few things for the better. She had hoped to go back to college to study environment related subjects, with the aim of gaining a career working outdoors. She was an independent girl and didn't really take to working indoors or in office surroundings. She had found new freedom and mobility with her first car, which she only had for two months. Jenny's views on things were becoming more mature and in short, her wee character was developing and changing into that of a young adult.....she was finding herself. Sadly, that wee character has not been allowed to evolve and she did not deserve to be taken from us all in this way. Someone has taken her life and not even afforded her the basic right of being taken care of properly. We so desperately need to find out where she is.

As parents, we should have been preparing and getting ready for this special time in her life, but instead, we wait and hope that her wee soul will be found so we can take care of her. We also wait for justice to be done for her and we hope and pray that this will come soon.

If you can, wherever you are, light a candle for Jenny on her birthday and leave a message with your thoughts here on this blog........ for "Our Wee Jen" (Even if you have left one before) Thank You.


The Nicholl Family.

ANYONE WISHING TO, MAY LEAVE A MESSAGE BY CLICKING "COMMENTS" UNDER THIS POST.

THE "COMMENTS" FACILITY IS FOR ANYONE TO LEAVE A MESSAGE. THE FAMILY TAKE GREAT COMFORT FROM READING THEM.

SO KEEP POSTING PLEASE !!!

Statements to Press: June 30th.

STATEMENT BY ANN AND BRIAN NICHOLL,
PARENTS OF JENNY NICHOLL.

The following is statement by Mr and Mrs Nicholl, read at a Press Briefing at the Holly Hill Inn, Richmond, today, 30 June 06, the anniversary of their daughter’s disappearance:
It is exactly one year since our beloved daughter Jenny left home and has never returned.

During this year we have been on a tortuous rollercoaster of emotions, ranging from
hope to utter despair.

We have had to cope with a Police Investigation, and watch as
it has turned into a murder enquiry and face the inevitable realisation that our
daughter has been murdered and will never return home again.

It is the total belief of the Police and of the family that all the answers to Jenny’s
murder lie locally. We would, therefore, like to take this opportunity to appeal
directly to that person or persons who are responsible, or anyone with any knowledge
regarding Jenny’s murder.

We still do not know where Jenny is or what has happened to her.

You have kept these terrible secrets to yourself and only you can answer these questions. The heavy burden you must be carrying is immense and will not lessen with time. As Jenny’s family we need to know where her final resting place is, what has happened to her and why.

This will never bring Jenny back but we can at least then take care of her soul and bury her with the love, respect and dignity that she so rightly deserves.

As a family we need to be able to say good-bye properly and grieve for the loss of
our daughter. Please tell the Police what you know and end our ordeal.

Finally, we would like to give our sincere thanks to family and friends and the wider
community of Richmond for all the support they have shown us during this terrible
time. We would also like to express our gratitude to all the Police Investigation
Team for their determination and commitment as they continue to work tirelessly on
this protracted investigation.

Ann and Brian Nicholl.

JENNY NICHOLL ANNIVERSARY – STATEMENT BY
DETECTIVE INSPECTOR PETE MARTIN.

At a Press Briefing today (30/06/06) at the Holly Hill Inn, Richmond, DI Pete Martin said:

We are here, one year to the day that Jenny Nicholl set out from her home in Richmond, telling her parents not to worry, she might not be back that night.
Let me remind you of the chronology of events:
Jenny Nicholl set out from home on the evening of Thursday 30 June 2005. She was reported missing on Monday 4 July. Her white Rover 214i was found that same day on the car park here at the Holly Hill Inn. She had not been home, nor called, nor had she arrived for work at the Co-op. A Missing From Home enquiry began immediately as it was totally out of character for Jenny to stay out of contact with her family so long.
By mid-July a dedicated Incident Room had been set up at Richmond Police Station, officers had begun tracing and interviewing her circle of friends and acquaintances in and around Richmond, and physical searches had been made across rural areas where it was known Jenny liked to camp out.
On 9 July some of Jenny’s friends received text messages sent from her mobile phone, saying she was safe and well. These messages were sent from the Carlisle area. On 14 July Brian Nicholl, Jenny’s father, received a text from her mobile, this time from Jedburgh. These messages contained personal information that would only be known to someone who knew Jenny. Following this, extensive enquiries were made in Carlisle and the Scottish Borders.
By the start of August the enquiry had –
- searched a number of areas of woodland and moorland
- visited every pub in the area – Jenny enjoyed evenings in pubs and was a well-known figure in a local pool league
- circulated her description to every police force in the country
- conducted a succession of house-to-house enquiries around Richmond, especially around Holly Hill, an area Jenny liked to visit
- launched witness appeals via TV, radio and newspapers
- traced large numbers of her friends
-studied hours of CCTV
- set up a series of visits and appeals at rock events across the area - Jenny was a strong rock fan
On 16 August 2005 a local man was arrested in connection with an alleged attempt to pervert the course of justice. He was later released without further action.
On 6 October a poignant appeal was made by Mrs Ann Nicholl, who was out putting up banners in the town saying “Happy Birthday Jenny” and asking for help in tracing her.
It was becoming increasingly clear that we were not dealing with a Missing From Home enquiry, nothing had been found to indicate that Jenny Nicholl was alive. On 3 November I announced that the investigation was now being treated as a Murder Enquiry.

On 13 December we took the case to national TV once more, this time in the form of Crimewatch. It was then that Mrs Nicholl showed an exact copy of a much-loved teddy bear that appeared to have been taken from the house by Jenny not long before she disappeared, and we asked the question “That teddy could hold vital information – where is it now?”
On 17 January this year two local men were arrested on suspicion of the murder of Jenny Nicholl. One was released without charge on 19 January, the other is still on police bail as the enquiry continues.
The enquiry has been subject to a number of reviews both internally and externally. This has ensured that no investigative opportunities have been overlooked in this challenging and complex investigation.
On Monday 20 March officers made two finds in the wooded area known as Sandbeck Plantation, on the west of Richmond.
Concealed there were the teddy bear and the CD/cassette player that Jenny took with her when she set out on 30 June last year.
Those items are still undergoing tests and analysis.
This enquiry has employed many staff, specialist assistance and other resources. Since 30 June last year we have
- followed up 3,600 enquiries
- generated 4,300 documents, including 1,020 statements
- seized 2,400 exhibits
- conducted hundreds of searches across more than 150 areas
This work continues unabated.
Meanwhile, there is someone out there who knows more than they are telling about where Jenny Nicholl is.
It may be someone who knows a lot, or it may be someone who just has a tiny snippet of information that we can add to our jigsaw of evidence. In any event we need that information and I would appeal for you to call now. The Incident Room number is 01609-789347, or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The investigation is still very active. There is a suspect who remains on bail and for that reason I am limited as to what I can say.
The area around Richmond is very rural and a key part of the enquiry is the search for Jenny’s body. We are working with a number of experts analysing the considerable amount of information we have gathered during the investigation to assist in our decision making as to where we should focus the searches.
To echo the words of Mr and Mrs Nicholl, it is vitally important that we find Jenny’s body to be able to allow the family the opportunity to lay her to rest in the way any parents would want to do for their own child. Please help them and help us.

MARY'S READING FROM THE SERVICE CAN BE FOUND BY CLICKING THE "MARY'S READING" ARCHIVE LINK ON RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THIS PAGE. ANYONE WISHING TO, CAN LEAVE A MESSAGE BY CLICKING"COMMENTS" UNDER THIS POSTING. YOU CAN ACCESS ALL OTHER POSTINGS AND MESSAGES BY USING THE ARCHIVE LINKS ON RIGHT SIDE OF PAGE.

Hi all,

I thought I would let you all know how the service for Jenny went last week.

We were absolutely overwhelmed at the turnout last week, as the church was packed...... standing room only at the back. It was full of family, friends, neighbours, members of the Police investigation team and a lot of Jenny's friends. It was also good to see so many people from in and around Richmond that we don't even know, but they turned up nonetheless. Some people had travelled a great distance and we are grateful to everyone who came. The service itself went well and it was nice. Obviously very emotional and moving but Ann and I are so glad that we did it. All the readers read exceptionally well and a lot of nice, kind things were said about Jenny. We have so many people to thank for all that was done for us and we will get round to them or write over the next week or two. We are also aware that there were a lot of very kind people helping in various ways behind the scenes and we would like to take this opportunity to thank them as well. We have been touched with everyone's goodwill and generousity. The proceeds from the collection will be split betweeen the National Missing Persons Helpline who helped us enormously, particularly in the early days and the Music Department of St Francis Xavier School, who done a lot for Jenny. My brother Terry, is looking at a way of possibly putting the order of service on the blogspot as a link, in due course, though we're not sure yet if it will be feasible.

Those that are local, or those that have seen some of the media coverage, will know that the investigation goes on and the searching continues. Now that we have paid tribute to Jenny, we all need to hope and pray that she is found soon......... very soon.


Brian & Ann.

MARY'S READING FROM THE SERVICE CAN BE FOUND BY CLICKING THE "MARY'S READING" ARCHIVE LINK ON RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THIS PAGE. I'LL TRY LATER TO POST ALL THE SERVICE. ANYONE WISHING TO, CAN LEAVE A MESSAGE BY CLICKING"COMMENTS" UNDER THIS POSTING. YOU CAN ACCESS ALL OTHER POSTINGS AND MESSAGES BY USING THE ARCHIVE LINKS ON RIGHT SIDE OF PAGE.

Mary's Reading.

JENNY’S EULOGY READING - READ BY MARY QUIRKE.


It is exactly one year, almost to the hour, since Jenny left home and never returned. On behalf of Brian, Ann, Chris and James, I would like to thank you all for coming, to share this service and think of Jenny.

This is a reading about my niece. It was written by Brian & Ann to be shared with everyone this evening. I know they would also want me to thank everyone who has supported them, either in person or by prayer during these difficult days especially those in Ireland, the United States and Australia, who cannot be here today Also to those who have helped with the organisation of everything today.

Jenny was the youngest and only daughter, preceded by two older brothers. Hence, she was always a bit of a tomboy. She could build tree houses, skateboard and play football just like any lad, maybe even better. As a small girl, getting her to wear a dress was a real struggle. As a teenager, she would often joke that she was emotionally damaged as a young child by being forced to wear a frilly frock to a birthday party! She was the first girl to play in St Mary’s School football team alongside 10 boys. Jenny enjoyed her football, sport and the outdoors. As her friend Terri McDonald said….. they were always on some sort of a mission together.

During her teenage years, she learned to play guitar and later joined a local band called “No Fouling”. You can see a photo of the band on one of the pillars here in the church, taken at a gig near Carlisle. These guys had fun and worked hard to make something of themselves. They also made it to the finals of “The Battle of the Bands” contest for local new bands during the Richmond Live music festival in 2002. An achievement they can all be proud of. Jenny was passionate about the guitar and was always belting out tunes in her room. Jimmy Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, The Beatles and Razor Light…….oh, and even Pink Floyd! Many a time we yelled upstairs, but to no avail! The music you heard this evening during the communion, was a mellow rendition of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” by a country singer called Dar Williams. The original version has an outstanding guitar piece that Jenny aspired to play. The song you will hear as we leave the church later is “Stumble & Fall” by Razorlight” which Jenny played a few hundred times in her room! Oh how we wish we could holler up the stairs to keep the noise down……. But sadly, we know that will never happen again.

Jenny had a quirky sense of humour. For example, there was the time the school photographer asked if anyone wanted to bring their siblings back after school to have their photograph taken……. Jenny decided she would rather bring Rocky, her pet hamster! Bigger fool Ann was coerced into calling the school to check if this was okay. They said it was unusual, but acceptable nonetheless. Well, we ended up with a very happy six-year-old sitting with a hamster rather than a family photograph! This picture is also on one of the pillars here in the church tonight. More recently, she asked if Molly the family dog she adored, could have a Mohican style haircut the next time she was groomed. We got some strange looks from other dog walkers and we’re not sure what Molly thought about it, but Jenny was pleased with the look!

Jenny had a wide circle of friends in the town and had met many people, through her love of music and playing pool in one of the local leagues. She had a kind and caring nature, always eager to help those less fortunate than herself. She was always, without exception, non-judgemental in her approach to others. Indeed, on her last Christmas Day at home, at half past nine in the morning, she asked if we had any milk to spare. When we said yes of course we have, Jenny quickly got changed and took some to a friend. When she returned, we inquisitively asked who the milk was for. Jenny simply replied… “it was just someone I know, who doesn’t have much“. That said it all…… we enjoyed our Christmas Day, but it somehow has much more meaning now, as we think of Jenny’s thoughts that day, even as such a young person. We can’t help but wonder now, was her kind, trusting and gentle nature part of her demise?

Jenny was a daughter, a granddaughter, a niece, a sister, a cousin, a daughter in law, a friend and a companion to so many people. All of them and so many others loved her. Her life has quite literally been taken from us all, in the most dreadful and tragic way and we are left with an unfillable void. However, we are grateful that we had such an independent and exclusive person as a daughter. Jenny will always be our child and no one else’s, apart from perhaps, our heavenly father.

Quite simply, Jenny is unique. She is a young woman, our daughter and we will carry her in our hearts and minds forever more. She is our “Wee Jen” and we will catch up with her soon…………… all being well.

SERVICE

Church Service

6-30pm - Friday 30th June 2006

The Police investigation continues at the same high level and we continue to work with the dedicated team in any way we can. As we approach the one year point since Jenny disappeared, we are planning some events to commemorate the day. There will be new posters with a stark message and a new picture of Jenny. We will distribute these in various places in and around Richmond during the last week of June. We will also probably put a few adverts in local advertisers as well.

The main thing for us will be a church service at 6-30pm that evening. Exactly one year, almost to the hour since we last saw Jenny. This will take place in the St Joseph & St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Newbiggin, Richmond, DL10 4DT and it will be a mass dedicated to Jenny. It will be very personal to her and the entire service will be conducted with Jenny in mind. This is traumatic to say the least to even contemplate, so we are very grateful that one of the Mum's of Jenny's friends from the band she used to be in, is taking the lead and doing all the 'behind the scenes' groundwork and organising for us. We are hoping for a sizeable turnout and anyone of any denomination is welcome to attend. For those that live locally, please pass the details of the service on to anyone you know that may wish to attend. There will be light refreshments in the Church Hall afterwards.

Thereafter, we will retire to the nearby Richmond Cricket Club (function room) for refreshments of a stronger nature. Again, everyone will be welcome to come along, including those who couldn't quite make the service due to other commitments.

If you wish to look at messages left on this blog, scroll through some of the previous posts and archives and click on comments..... they are on various pages. These do help us keep our strength and give us some comfort. Hope to see you all at the service.

Brian & Ann Nicholl.

ANYONE WISHING TO READ MESSAGES OR LEAVE ONE CAN DO SO BY CLICKING "COMMENTS" UNDER THIS POST.

Jenny,those we love are only a thought apart.

DAD AND MUM. XXX

At 23/4/06 4:04 PM, irene said...
Jenny is in my thoughts every day,I can still remember her snuggled up in her wee blanket when I looked after her as a child. She is greatly loved and missed by everyone who knows her.With love your godmother.(Irene)xxxxxxxxxx.

Press Release

DETECTIVES hunting the killer of shopworker Jenny Nicholl have launched a fresh appeal for the teenager's missing possessions.
Police still want to find the 19-year-old's mobile phone and jewellery box.
The appeal came after search teams discovered Jenny's stereo and teddy bear last week.
Detective Inspector Pete Martin, the officer leading the murder investigation, said: "Forensic tests are being carried out on the stereo and the teddy.
"Officers are combing a wide area of countryside near Richmond and will continue to do so.
"Other items they are looking for are Jenny's mobile phone and an aluminium box she kept jewellery and other possessions in.
"I am asking anyone to get in touch if they know where they might be."
Officers believe the killer used Jenny's Nokia 5210 phone to send texts to her family and friends in the weeks after her disappearance.
Friends received messages sent from the Carlisle area of Cumbria on July 9.
Five days later, her father received a text sent from the Jedburgh area, in the Scottish Borders.
The text messages included information that police say could only be known by someone close to her.
Yesterday, police continued their search of the Sandbeck Plantation, on the outskirts of Richmond, North Yorkshire, where the bear and stereo were found.
The site is less than a mile from where Jenny's Rover car was found abandoned on July 4, last year, at the Holly Hill Inn.

NEW FINDS

There has been an important development in the Jenny Nicholl murder investigation.
On Monday, 20 March, officers made two finds in a wooded area known as Sandbeck Plantation, to the west of Richmond. This information has not been released until now to allow initial forensic tests to be made, and to enable the positive identification of the items.

First was a teddy bear, which Jenny’s parents have identified as hers.
Officers revealed the existence of the missing toy, a childhood favourite of Jenny’s, in mid-December. Detective Inspector Pete Martin said: “At that time we said the teddy was not at Jenny’s home, nor in the her car which she abandoned at the Holly Hill public house. At the time we speculated that the person or persons who know Jenny’s whereabouts might have the bear or, more likely, may have disposed of it.”
He said the teddy may have been concealed at Sandbeck Plantation, and was possibly unearthed when a tractor wheel ran over it.

“This is a significant find because it links Jenny Nicholl with that area of Sandbeck Plantation,” said DI Martin
“Of greater significance is the second find on Monday, Jenny’s silver Goodmans radio/cassette/CD player. We know Jenny had this with her when she set out from her parents’ house on the 30 th of June last year.”
It was found a few metres from the teddy, concealed in an area used to dump rubbish
DI Martin said: “Both these finds are important because they may provide us with significant forensic opportunities. The CD player is especially significant because it firmly links Jenny or someone who knows Jenny with that area, on a date after 30 June.

“Jenny, or someone connected with her in some way, was there at a time after she set out from home.
“There will be extensive tests made on these items, and officers will continue their detailed searches of Sandbeck Plantation and beyond.”

Meanwhile the investigation team at Richmond will continue the major enquiry which has been going on since July 2005, said DI Martin.

Anyone who can help is asked to call the Witness Line on 01423-539334 or, if they wish to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.

ANYONE WISHING TO CAN LEAVE A MESSAGE BY CLICKING COMMENTS UNDER THIS POSTING.

THIS NEXT ARTICLE IS FROM ANOTHER SOURCE.

MURDER squad detectives searching for a Yorkshire woman who vanished last summer have discovered one of her favourite childhood toys and her CD player concealed in woodland.
Officers from North Yorkshire Police announced yesterday that they had recovered the teddy bear and radio cassette/CD player that belonged to Jenny Nicholl nine months after an investigation was launched into her disappearance.Detectives, who stepped up the inquiry to a murder hunt last November, said that the toy and radio cassette/CD player were found in a wooded area known as Sandbeck Plantation west of Miss Nicholl's home town of Richmond.The finds were made on Monday last week but information was not released until yesterday as initial forensic tests were carried out.The missing woman's parents, Brian and Ann Nicholl, have identified the teddy bear as one of their daughter's favourite childhood toys, although detectives have placed a greater significance on the other find.Officers announced last December they were hoping to locate the teddy bear as part of the inquiry.Det Insp Pete Martin, one of the senior investigating officers, said: "At that time we said the teddy was not at Jenny's home nor in her car which was abandoned at the Holly Hill public house."At the time we speculated that the person or persons who know Jenny's whereabouts might have the bear or, more likely, may have disposed of it."He said the teddy bear was possibly unearthed when a tractor wheel ran over it.The radio cassette player was found nearby, concealed in an area used to dump rubbish.Det Insp Martin said: "Of greater significance is the second find, Jenny's silver Goodmans radio/cassette/ CD player. "We know Jenny had this with her when she set out from her parents' house on June 30 last year."Both these finds are important because they may provide us with significant forensic opportunities. The CD player is especially significant because it firmly links Jenny or someone who knows Jenny with that area on a date after June 30."Jenny, or someone connected with her in some way, was there at a time after she set out from home."As more forensic tests are carried out on the CD player and toy, searchers are continuing to focus their efforts at Sandbeck Plantation.Miss Nicholl's parents reported their 19-year-old daughter missing last summer on July 4, the day her white Rover 214i was found at the Holly Hill Inn on the outskirts of Richmond.Her mother made an impassioned appeal for her daughter to get in touch in October last year on what would have been Miss Nicholl's 20th birthday.However, the following month detectives confirmed they were treating the investigation as a murder inquiry.A man remains on police bail as part of the investigation.

EVEN MORE

POLICE continued their hunt for the body of murdered teenager Jenny Nicholl yesterday.
A team of officers carried out fingertip searches of woodland where Jenny's CD player and teddy bear were found last week.
Heavy lifting equipment was brought in to move a pile of stones at Sandbeck Plantation, near Richmond, North Yorkshire.
The stereo and soft toy have been sent away for tests at a Government forensics centre in Wetherby, West Yorkshire.
Police say it could be weeks, if not months, before the results are known.
The teddy was a Christmas present given to Jenny when she was six.
The 10in toy was dressed in a military-style outfit.
Jenny's parents say the teddy had been in her bedroom for years.
She put the bear in the attic when she became a teenager, but brought it back down last year.
Speaking before an appearance on Crimewatch in December, Jenny's mother, Ann Nicholl, said: "I am not sure why she went and got that particular animal back after all these years - perhaps some happy memory was stirred of that Christmas in 1991."
In May or June, Jenny took the toy out of the house, saying a friend had offered to sew on new badges. It is not known who the friend was.
On July 4, the badges were found on the floor of Jenny's Rover car found abandoned in the Holly Hill Inn car park, in Richmond, four days after she disappeared from her family's home, in the town

Re-update

Hi All,

The searching in the woods continues and it is very thorough. It has not been an easy task as much of the area is wild and on steep slopes. A number of line searches have been completed and a few other areas are receiving more detailed attention.

As all this goes on, there is still a huge amount of other work taking place. I guess we might have a better feel for "what happens next" over the coming months. For now, Ann and I continue to live our lives day to day, some days are better than others. We remain focused on helping the Police in anyway we can and we are in regular contact with our Family Liaison Officers. We also get updates directly from the Senior Investigating Officers when required.

Thank you all yet again for the kind words and prayers, they do help.

Brian & Ann

EDITING

HELLO EVERYONE.

DUE TO OUTSIDE INFLUENCES I'VE HAD TO DELETE THE LAST TWO UPDATES.

I'M AFRAID ANY COMMENTS HAVE BEEN LOST...YOU CAN LEAVE THEN AGAIN IF YOU WISH.

BRIAN SHOULD BE UPDATING US AGAIN LATER THIS WEEK.

SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE.

UNCLE TERRY.

Hi all,

Nothing much to report I'm afraid. The searching and digging in the woods continues and the Police expect to be in there for about 2 weeks. They've also had some help from the Army as well.

We'll let you know if there are any developments.

Brian & Ann.