Fatal Stabbing After Home Attack
A teenager has been sentenced to over six years in prison after fatally stabbing a man following an attack on his home by an armed group.
Jaxon Millar, 19 at the time, inflicted a fatal wound on 21-year-old Robert McNally in Paisley in January of the previous year.
McNally and two other men, all masked and carrying weapons, arrived at Millar's residence amid an ongoing dispute.
In an attempt to prevent them from entering, Millar threw fireworks from an upstairs window at the group.
Subsequently, after his car was vandalised, Millar left his home armed with a knife and stabbed McNally in the back, resulting in his death.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Millar, from Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, initially faced a murder charge but pleaded guilty to culpable homicide in May.
During sentencing, Lord Mullholland remarked on the prevalence of fatal knife incidents, stating:
"This was catastrophic and resulted in Mr McNally's death.
You have inflicted a lifetime of grief upon his family and your actions have led to what you are facing today."
Millar received a sentence of six years and nine months imprisonment.
The High Court in Glasgow was informed that while McNally and Millar were acquainted, they were not friends.
The conflict stemmed from McNally and his associates being upset over a police statement given by a woman known to Millar regarding domestic abuse allegations, which led to someone being detained. The group sought to confront Millar about this.
Events Leading to the Stabbing
On 18 January last year, McNally's friends went to Millar's home, where an argument ensued.
Upon learning of this, McNally returned with two friends, visibly angry, and knocked on Millar's door.
Millar responded by throwing fireworks to deter them from entering the property.
The group briefly entered the flat for 30 to 60 seconds before exiting.
Following this, one of the men began vandalising Millar's car, with McNally joining in.
Millar then exited his home, pursued McNally, and stabbed him once in the back, causing McNally to fall.
During a brief altercation involving three men, Millar was struck on the side of the face with a hatchet.
Millar retreated into his home while McNally and the other man left the scene.
McNally collapsed shortly after, with the other man attempting first aid and calling for assistance.
McNally was pronounced dead at the scene.
Post-Mortem and Defence
The post-mortem examination revealed that the knife blade had penetrated McNally's left lung, causing it to collapse.
Defence counsel John Scullion KC stated during sentencing:
"This was done under extreme provocation and he acted out of character."
He said Millar accepted full responsibility for his actions and had expressed regret.
Tributes to the Victim
Following McNally's death, his girlfriend Angel White paid tribute to him, saying:
"Robert darling. Our relationship wasn't perfect, you were the most hot headed, craziest boy I have ever met.
But there wasn't anything you wouldn't do for the people you cared about and that's what I loved about you.
You have been taken away from us all so sudden and far too early but I feel lucky to say I got to spend the last few months of your life by your side and I'm really going to miss you."
