Three people have gone on trial accused of murdering a schoolgirl more than 25 years ago.

Robert O’Brien, 45, Donna Marie Brand, 44, and Andrew Kelly, 44, appeared at the High Court in Glasgow accused of murdering 14-year-old Caroline Glachan on 25 August 1996.

The teenager’s body was discovered in the River Leven, near Place of Bonhill in Renton, West Dunbartonshire.

All three accused have pleaded not guilty and lodged special defences of alibi.

The court heard that on various dates between 1 June 1996 and 24 August 1996, O’Brien, originally from Dumbarton, is alleged to have assaulted Caroline at locations including Balloch Country Park, Renton, Vale of Leven and “elsewhere in Dunbartonshire”.

It is alleged he assaulted the teenager by punching her face, placing his hands around her neck and compressing her throat.

Prosecutors claim the three accused arranged to meet Caroline on 25 August 1996 at a bridge near the towpath beside the River Leven between Renton and Bonhill.

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They are then alleged to have assaulted Caroline, shouted and swore at her and repeatedly kicked and punched her.

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It is claimed the trio threw bricks or “similar instruments” causing blunt force injuries to her head and body.

Prosecutors claim they pushed, or caused her to fall into the undergrowth, and into the River Leven. The three are then accused of murdering Caroline.

The trial, before judge Lord Braid, continues.

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