Hackett pleaded not guilty to all of the charges and lodged a special defence of alibi on the first charge, claiming he was at home when the child was attacked.

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He has denied the charge and has lodged a special defence of alibi, claiming he was carrying out deliveries for his fruit and vegetable business on the day his wife vanished.

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Mr Coates and Mr McCarron - who both deny the charge - have also each lodged a special defence of alibi.

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