Paedophiles accused of 'brutal Soham' plot to kill two girls

Published on Tuesday 21 November 2006 01:40

TWO paedophiles plotted to rape and kill two young girls to recreate the Soham child murders, a court heard yesterday.

David Beavan, 42, and Alan Hedgcock, 41, used internet chatrooms to plan the ruthless killings, it was claimed. They allegedly discussed choking a victim to death while holding a gun to another's head. During one conversation, they decided: "Let's do them like Holly and Jess - but more brutal."

Beavan contacted the third defendant, Robert Mayers, 42, and enlisted him in the planned woodland rape.

Beavan denies two counts of conspiracy to rape a child under the age of 16 and one count of conspiracy to murder a child under the age of 16.

Hedgcock denies one count of conspiracy to murder a child under the age of 16 and one of conspiracy to rape a child under the age of 16. Mayers denies one count of conspiracy to rape a child under the age of 16.

The trial at Southwark Crown Court, London, continues.