Overview

• The Channel 4 series Social Media Monsters features Holly Newton’s parents recounting the scene of her January 2023 killing and their experience of the case.
• Her mother criticises what she calls authorities ‘pandering’ to MacPhail as fitness‑to‑stand‑trial assessments and special measures stretched the process to roughly 18 months.
• MacPhail, now 18, was convicted of murder and wounding with intent and is serving life with a minimum term of 17 years after reporting restrictions were lifted in 2024.
• Court evidence showed he travelled to Hexham, followed Holly, lured her into an alleyway and stabbed her 36 times, also injuring a 16‑year‑old who intervened.
• The family continues to campaign for ‘Holly’s Law’ to classify under‑18s as domestic‑abuse victims, with the government saying earlier this year it will review the age threshold.