Former Soldier Convicted of Friend’s Fatal Stabbing

Stephen McGhee, a 48-year-old former soldier, has been found guilty of murdering his friend, Kevan Doyle, 43, in an attack described as “forceful and violent.” The conviction came after a trial held at the High Court in Glasgow. McGhee assaulted Mr. Doyle on his doorstep in Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, on October 28, 2022. Mr. Doyle sustained fatal injuries and succumbed at the location. McGhee, who had previous violent offense convictions, was convicted of murder and is scheduled to receive his sentence next month, at which point the minimum term of his imprisonment will be determined. During the trial, the jury was informed that the two men had been acquainted for approximately 15 years. McGhee asserted that he intended to assist his friend and had gone back to his residence to retrieve food and a spare phone for him. Upon his return to the house on Glencleland Road, he alleged that he was “effectively ambushed” by Mr. Doyle, the victim’s cousin, and a woman. He further claimed he was dragged into the house and faced with a weapon. Prosecutors, however, stated that McGhee had assaulted Mr. Doyle using a screwdriver, a knife, or a comparable implement. The court was told that Mr. Doyle sustained fatal injuries to his chest and head. McGhee departed the location and stated that he only became aware of the gravity of the situation upon later observing police tape at the residence. He testified during the trial, saying: “I could not believe what had happened had resulted in his death.” The assault was captured on CCTV footage, with advocate depute William Frain-Bell KC characterizing the three impacts recorded by the camera as “forceful, violent and immediate.” Nevertheless, McGhee maintained that he was not the one striking Mr. Doyle, but rather attempting to evade the victim’s cousin at the entrance. Following the jury’s decision, Mr. Frain-Bell informed Judge Lord Young that several of Mr. Doyle’s family members had submitted victim impact statements detailing their grief, though these statements were not publicly read in court. McGhee’s sentencing is scheduled for December 12 in Edinburgh.