13-year-old Logan MacPhail has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, 15-year-old Holly Newton, who he stabbed to death in an alleyway in Hexham, Northumberland.

The tragic events unfolded in January 2023, when MacPhail stalked Holly for an hour before attacking her with a knife, inflicting 36 stab wounds. He also injured a teenage boy who attempted to intervene.

During his trial at Newcastle Crown Court, it was revealed that MacPhail did not accept the end of their 18-month relationship. CCTV footage captured him stalking Holly, wearing a disguise, as he pursued her and her friends.

Prior to the murder, MacPhail had traveled from Gateshead to Haltwhistle to be near Holly, and when confronted by law enforcement, he was taken home following concerns raised by his mother.

On the day of the attack, Holly's mother, Micala Trussler, had expressed concerns about MacPhail's behavior and arranged to speak with a police officer. Tragically, MacPhail attacked Holly that very afternoon.

MacPhail argued he did not plan the assault and claimed he intended to use the knife on himself, but the jury rejected this defense. Mrs. Trussler's victim statement highlighted her anguish, as she was unable to see her daughter in the hospital due to the nature of the crime scene.

Mrs. Trussler reflected on the controlling nature of her daughter's relationship with MacPhail, suggesting it constituted domestic abuse despite Holly being underage. MacPhail had altered her social media passwords and manipulated her emotions, even threatening self-harm.

Before the murder, he made multiple attempts to enter Holly's home, raising fears for the safety of her family. “I dread to think what could have happened to the rest of my family had he been allowed inside,” the mother expressed.

MacPhail's defense highlighted his autism and learning difficulties, yet prosecutor David Brooke KC argued that his actions showed he was capable of making rational decisions, demonstrating his ability to travel, stalk, and deceive.

Despite defense claims of MacPhail's positive progress in secure accommodations, the judge, Mr. Justice Hilliard, condemned the premeditated nature of the crime, characterizing it as a deliberate act driven by jealousy.

MacPhail, now 17, had initially admitted to manslaughter but was found guilty of murder and wounding the teenage boy who tried to intervene. The injured boy reported ongoing struggles with his mental health and difficulty with studies following the traumatic incident.

Reflecting on the impact of the tragedy, the boy stated, “I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. I cannot imagine what Holly’s family are going through.”

In light of the gravity of the case, the judge recently lifted a reporting restriction allowing media to identify MacPhail due to his age.