Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Friday, 1st November 2024, at 18:00hrs
A 17-year-old has been handed a life prison sentence for the murder of 15-year-old Holly Newton. He was also convicted for grevious bodily harm against another boy.
In a statement released after sentencing, Northumbria Police said:
“On Friday, January 27 last year, we received reports that a boy and girl had been seriously assaulted in the Priestpopple area of the town centre.
Holly, 15, tragically passed away in hospital after sustaining 36 injuries at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, Logan MacPhail.
He travelled from Gateshead armed with a kitchen knife and wearing a snood, before following Holly and her friends for around 45 minutes who were unaware of his presence.
While we may never know the full story, it is clear that MacPhail was unhappy after their relationship had recently ended and was unable to move on.
The now 17-year-old was found guilty of murder and grievous bodily harm with intent at trial in August.
Today, he was handed a life sentence, and must serve a minimum term of 17 years in prison.”
During the two-day hearing, her mum Micala spoke of their family’s pain after losing her.
She said: “On Friday 27 January 2023, our lives changed forever. I kissed my four kids goodbye on their way to school and one never came home.
“How can any parent begin to comprehend receiving a phone call from a stranger telling them that their daughter had been stabbed? Those words still play on repeat through my head.
“I couldn’t even hug or touch her in hospital as she was classed as evidence.”
She added: “I love my child so much my heart aches without her. Holly was caring, funny, energetic and at times outspoken. We have struggled to adjust to life without her, her brothers and sisters are still struggling so much with all of it.
“We will never know Holly as an adult. This year she should have been collecting her GCSE results and preparing for a prom. We will never get to see her walk down the aisle or meet her children.
“Logan has taken away our joy of future plans and seeing Holly grow into a beautiful young woman. By the time Logan has served his sentence, he will still be able to start a family and enjoy his life, everything that Holly can’t do because of his mindless, selfish actions.
“It was more than just one life lost that night because our hearts also stopped. Holly is missed beyond words can ever describe but will never be forgotten.”
Holly’s friend who bravely tried to intervene while she was being attacked said he “finds it hard to talk about what happened in Hexham” and that it affects him “to this day – physically, mentally and financially.”
He spoke of a long-term injury to his shoulder, affecting future career aspirations, and how he struggles with his mental health – saying he “can’t sleep at night” and “has nightmares”.
Speaking at court, he added: “What happened to me and what I’ve been through, I wouldn’t wish it upon anybody – and I can’t imagine what Holly’s family are going through.”
G2K INCIDENT WATCH 