SOUTHAMPTON schoolgirl Lucy McHugh told a friend she barricaded herself in her room to stop her alleged killer getting in, a jury has heard.

Jury members were shown a recorded interview in which it was claimed the 13-year-old had confided in a friend about a relationship she was having with a 24-year-old named "Stephen".

The friend, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said how Lucy claimed the man "loved her" and had taken her virginity.

She also told the court how Lucy had later told her how "Stephen" was becoming increasingly violent towards her and was "slapping" her.

The friend also said Lucy had told her she had once barricaded herself in her room using her bed after a "drunk and high Stephen" had tried to get in.

But the court heard that when the friend attempted to tell her own parents about Lucy's abuse that Lucy was accused of lying.

The friend said Lucy had been told by her mother, Stacey White, to "get out of her fantasy land or she would get someone in trouble".

The evidence was heard this morning at the trial of Stephen Nicholson, who is accused of murdering Lucy – whose body was found in a wooded area of Southampton Sports Centre on July 26 last year.

Nicholson, 25, of no fixed address, denies murder.

He also denies two allegations of sexual activity with a child against Lucy on multiple occasions and denies sexual activity with a child in relation to another girl aged 14.

The court has previously been told how Lucy was stabbed 20 times, including three fatal wounds to her neck.

William Mousley QC, prosecuting, previously told the court Nicholson is accused of killing Lucy after she told him she was pregnant.

He said the defendant, who had been living in Lucy mother's home as a lodger, had been "exploiting" the "vulnerable" teenager during a secret year-long sexual relationship.

The trial continues.