Dirk Raats was formally charged yesterday with the murder of Solaine Thornton at her home in France after a row with the girl's parents escalated. He is understood to have been under the influence of drink and drugs at the time of the incident.
A pensioner has appeared in court accused of the murder of a British schoolgirl and the attempted murder of both her parents., 11, at her home in Saint-Herbot, near Quimper in Brittany, northern France.
Solaine’s younger sister, eight-year-old Celeste, is understood to have managed to avoid the gunfire which took place whileThe pensioner, who is a Dutch national, briefly appeared in front of a judge at Brest Criminal Court wearing a moustache and ponytail.Raats previously worked as a photographer, shepherd and carer for disabled people before retiring to France five years ago, the court heard.
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