A 17-year-old male has been convicted of murdering Holly Newton, a 15-year-old schoolgirl from Haltwhistle, following a six-week trial at Newcastle Crown Court. The defendant, who cannot be named due to legal restrictions, was also found guilty of wounding with intent in a separate charge.

A man has been found guilty of murdering Holly Trussler, a teenager who tragically died in hospital after suffering fatal stab wounds in Hexham in January 2023. The defendant, who had previously admitted to killing Holly and possessing a knife, denied the murder charge, claiming he had intended to harm himself rather than Holly.

The jury, however, rejected the defendant’s claims, delivering a guilty verdict on both the murder charge and an additional charge of wounding with intent. Sentencing has been scheduled for October 31.

In an emotional statement read to the court, Holly’s mother, Micala Trussler, described her daughter as a “beautiful child” and a “funny and happy teenager who would do anything for anyone.” Micala highlighted Holly’s love for dancing, which had boosted her self-confidence and made her feel “fearless.

Following the verdict, Lynsey Colling, Head of the Crown Court Unit for CPS North East, emphasized the devastating impact of Holly’s death on her family. Colling noted that a significant challenge in the case was establishing the defendant’s fitness to plead, which required specialist psychological assessments.

The conviction marks a crucial step toward justice for Holly, as her family and friends continue to mourn her untimely loss. The community in Hexham has been deeply affected by the case, and many have expressed their support for Holly’s family during this difficult time.

As the sentencing date approaches, Holly’s family hopes that the court’s decision will bring some measure of closure and that Holly’s memory will be honored through their ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of knife crime