"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."

These are the heartbreaking words of Micala Trussler, the mother of Holly Newton, who was murdered in a "vicious and brutal" attack by her ex-boyfriend. 

Logan MacPhail, then 16, had stalked Holly for an hour through Hexham, before knifing her 36 times in an alleyway on January 27, 2023,  as well as stabbing a teen boy who tried to intervene.  

MacPhail was convicted of murder following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court and was today (Friday, November 1) detained for life with a minimum term of 17 years.

You can read the full story of Holly's murder here: 

During the two-day hearing, Holly's mum Micala spoke of her family’s devastating pain - and how they continue to struggle with life without her. 

She said: “On Friday, January 27, 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.

Logan MacPhailLogan MacPhail (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)

“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.

CCTV footageCCTV footage (Image: Northumbria Police)

“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.”

Boy who was stabbed still 'can't sleep at night'

As previously reported, MacPhail had travelled from Gateshead armed with a kitchen knife, before following Holly and her friends for around 45 minutes who were unaware of his presence.

As Holly and a boy visited a takeaway on the town’s high street, he then approached her and asked if she would talk with him in a nearby alleyway.

After following him, MacPhail then launched a "vicious and brutal" attack on Holly.

When her friend heard Holly cry out, he left the shop and intervened, before he was also stabbed in the shoulder and leg.

Her brave friend has since also told of how 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”.

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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.”

If you are concerned about your own or a loved one’s relationship, we would encourage you to speak to someone you trust and, where appropriate, report to the most appropriate agency.

If you have immediate concerns that you or someone else might be at risk or in danger, please contact police immediately by calling 999.