Family of girl murdered by ex given law change hope
Summary
The family of Holly Newton, who was killed by her ex-boyfriend in 2023 when both were teenagers, say the UK government plans to create a legal definition for abuse in teenage relationships. The proposal follows their campaign and a review of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, but the government has not given a timeline.Key Facts
- Holly Newton was 15 when her 16-year-old ex-boyfriend, Logan MacPhail, stabbed her to death in Hexham in January 2023.
- MacPhail had controlled and stalked Holly before the killing and was detained for at least 17 years in 2024.
- Police recorded Holly’s killing as knife crime because people under 16 are not recognised as victims of domestic abuse under the current law.
- Holly’s parents, Micala and Lee Trussler, met minister Satvir Kaur at the Home Office on Monday to discuss the proposed change.
- The Trusslers have campaigned for legal recognition and support for teenagers experiencing abuse in relationships.
- The family said a separate definition for teenage relationship abuse could provide better protection than simply lowering the age limit for domestic abuse recognition.
- A House of Lords committee began reviewing the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 in January, including how it recognises children as victims.
- The government has not announced when it will publish the proposals or the review’s findings.
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