Mother’s boyfriend charged with murder of Madison

Madison Horns mother described her as a beautiful girl with a happy life ahead. Picture: PA

Yesterday, her mother Anne-Marie White’s boyfriend Kevin Park appeared in court charged with Madison’s murder.

In a statement released through Police Scotland, Ms White said: “Madison was a beautiful little girl who had a smile for everyone and a happy life ahead of her.

“She was a much-loved daughter who will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

“We would ask that our privacy be respected at this time to allow us to grieve.”

Park, 26, made a two-minute appearance at Dunfermline Sheriff Court before Sheriff Ian Abercrombie, where he made no plea or declaration. He was remanded in custody and the case was continued.

Earlier, Ms White posted about her daughter on Facebook, saying: “She was just far too young.”

Police and paramedics attended a flat in Kelty on Sunday at around 6:30pm after concerns were raised about the welfare of a child.

Madison was taken to Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy but was later pronounced dead.

She was born on 20 October, 2011 and lived at the flat with her mother Ms White and her boyfriend.

In earlier Facebook posts, Ms White described Madison as her “little princess”.

Yesterday, neighbours paid tribute to the “lovely” toddler.

Catherine Pryde, 59, who lives in a neighbouring flat, said she was first alerted by the sound of sirens.

She said: “I just heard the sirens and saw the ambulance come into the street. There were a lot of police and paramedics.

“Then the baby came out – the paramedic came running out with her in his arms. She was lifeless. It was just horrible.

“The next thing, I saw the boyfriend being brought out by the police. He wasn’t handcuffed or anything like that, just being led away.

“I never saw her mum at all. The forensic investigators in the white suits turned up after 11pm.”

Mrs Pryde added: “I’ve lived in the flat next door for 19 years and Anne-Marie moved in with her mum two or three years after me.

“She has that flat herself now. Madison was a cheery wee soul. I used to see her out in the back garden playing all the time.

“There’s no dividing fence between our gardens and she’d always make a bid for freedom and come running to our garden. She was a wee blonde-haired girl, a lovely-looking wee girl. It’s awful for it to happen to a bairn.”

Another neighbour pinned a tribute to the gate of the house along with a teddy bear, a doll and an angel ornament.

The note read: “Madison – heaven has gained another angel. Rest in peace little one xxxxx.”

On Facebook, friends of Ms White left messages. Kelly Smith wrote: “Gorgeous little girl. Can’t stop thinking about you and your wee one. Absolutely gutted for you. Xxxxx.”

A-Jay Kerr added: “God bless u Madison, sleep tight little angel. Thoughts and prayers are with u all at this sad time xxxx.”

Lesley-Anne Mullan added: “So sorry for your loss. Can’t imagine what you must be going through. Sleep tight wee Madison xx.”