Lord Matthews

On sentencing, Lord Matthews said: “It is difficult to imagine the distress which her family must have suffered, not only when she went missing but when the awful news came in that she had been found dead. That distress can only have been intensified, if that was possible, by their finding out the extent of what you did to her, not only in the weeks and months immediately afterwards but in the course of the trial.

“I have read statements by her parents and grandparents in which they have tried to express their loss and the emptiness which greets them every day. Just as I know that no sentence which I can pass will alleviate their anguish, so I know that mere words are poor reflections of it.

“The effect on the island community was profound. Many of them rallied round to help in the search and the effect on those who saw Alesha in the woods will be long lasting. I have never before seen a police officer almost break down in the witness box, so affected was he by the sight.

“The contrast between them and you could not be more vivid.”

The judge said that Campbell’s attitude was “clearly demonstrated” when he posted an image of himself in the mirror while joking that the murderer had been found.

“The arrogance and callousness of that is breathtaking,” Lord Matthews said.

He added that defence counsel Brian McConnachie QC had “said all that could be said on your behalf” and that this was “entirely in keeping with the exemplary way the trial was conducted on both sides of the bar”.

“All matters of fact which could reasonably be agreed were agreed and the issues were well focussed and laid before the jury,” he said.

The judge said Campbell’s instructions and evidence were “a tissue of lies” and that he was “shocked when I saw the contents of the Criminal Justice Social Work report and the report from Dr Macpherson, the consultant forensic clinical psychologist.”

The reports contained admissions of guilt.

Dr Macpherson, the consultant forensic clinical psychologist, noted that Campbell presented his account absent any emotions.

He reported that after the murder Campbell was “totally unconcerned” and “mildly amused” he had not yet been arrested.

Lord Matthews added that “you told him that at points during the trial it took everything to stop you laughing and you had to zip your mouth”.

Campbell also volunteered that he was quite satisfied with the murder.

“According to all of the reports, you are not suffering from any mental health disorder and indeed you are not suffering from any syndrome or disorder of any kind,” the judge said.

Lord Matthews said: “The nature of these appalling offences and what I have read in the reports make it clear to me that reintegration and rehabilitation, while these are important considerations, are remote possibilities and neither your best interests nor anyone else’s will be served by a speedy return to the community.

“Nonetheless, the punishment part will not be as long as it would have been had you been an adult.

“Your sentence will run from 6 July 2018. You will be detained without limit of time and I fix the punishment part at 27 years.”