Murder of schoolgirl, 15, stabbed to death by her jealous ex-boyfriend sparks a change in law around abusive teenage relationships

The Government is exploring a standalone definition of abuse in teenage relationships after a review of the Domestic Abuse Act. The change follows campaigning by Holly Newton’s family, who say current law failed to recognise her as a victim of domestic abuse because she was under 16.

Newton, 15, was killed in Hexham in January 2023 by her ex-boyfriend, Logan MacPhail, who was 16 at the time. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 17 years, for stabbing her 36 times; a boy who tried to intervene was also stabbed. Her family say a definition tailored to teenage relationships could better reflect young people’s experiences and improve their access to support.