Teenage obsession leads to tragedy: Holly Newton's story
The mother of 15-year-old Holly Newton, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, has spoken about her grief during the court trial. Holly was stabbed by Logan MacPhail, who followed her through the centre of Hexham in England before launching his attack. The tragedy occurred in January 2023.
According to the Daily Mail, Holly's mother, Micala Trussler, read an emotional statement during the trial at Newcastle Crown Court. "The last time I saw my daughter was that morning. I never saw her with open eyes again. I didn't hear her last words," she said.
Once in hospital, I was then unable to even touch my daughter, hug her, kiss her, or hold her hand. My daughter was a crime scene, she was evidence," said Micala Trussler.
Currently, 17-year-old MacPhail has been found guilty of Holly's murder and of wounding a boy who tried to stop the attack. Initially, he claimed he did not plan the attack and intended to use the knife to take his own life, but the jury dismissed his explanations.
The teenager could not bear the breakup. "He became obsessive"
Ms Trussler described how her daughter's relationship with MacPhail changed when Holly ended it. " I firmly believe that Logan thought if he couldn’t have Holly then no one could, he became obsessed with her," she stated. She highlighted that individuals under the age of 16 are not formally recognised as victims of domestic violence and expressed hope for a change in the law in this regard.
Holly's mother is running a fundraiser to purchase rescue kits to save the lives of those at risk of bleeding out. Additionally, she aims to educate young people about recognising toxic relationships.
Soon, the judge will announce the sentence in MacPhail's case, determining the minimum period he must spend in prison before he can apply for parole. This sentence will be significant for the defendant's future, as it will dictate when he can apply for early release from the correctional facility.
