Logan MacPhail, a 17-year-old, was convicted of murdering Holly Newton, whom he stabbed 36 times in an alleyway in Hexham, Northumberland, after stalking her for an hour in January 2023.

The ongoing sentencing hearing has also seen MacPhail convicted of wounding with intent after injuring a boy who intervened during the attack.

Evidence presented in court revealed that MacPhail carried a kitchen knife concealed in his trousers while stalking Holly, indicating his intent to harm her.

MacPhail later claimed that he intended to commit suicide, but his actions escalated to murder, reflecting a tragic outcome of his mental state and obsession.

Micala Trussler, Holly's mother, described MacPhail's behavior as initially mild-mannered but noted a drastic change after Holly ended their relationship, leading to obsessive and controlling actions.

Holly's family argues that her experience with MacPhail constituted domestic abuse through coercive control, despite her being classified as too young under current laws.

Experts have emphasized that the murder was a deliberate act rather than a crime of passion, highlighting MacPhail's premeditated actions.

Witnesses at a nearby pizza restaurant heard Holly's screams and intervened, but MacPhail continued to stab her until they forcibly restrained him.

Prosecutors pointed out that MacPhail, despite having autism and learning difficulties, was capable of making rational decisions, as evidenced by his stalking of Holly and his attempts to hide his actions.

The sentencing decision by Mr. Justice Hilliard is scheduled for November 1, 2024, following a two-day hearing at Newcastle Crown Court.

Discussions during the sentencing hearing have focused on determining the appropriate minimum time for MacPhail's imprisonment before parole consideration.

Despite denying murder and claiming he blacked out during the attack, MacPhail's defense of manslaughter was rejected by the jury.