Home / Crime and Justice / Edinburgh Teen Admits Murder While On Bail
Edinburgh Teen Admits Murder While On Bail
7 May
Summary
- A 17-year-old admitted murdering John McNab with a hunting knife.
- The fatal stabbing occurred in Edinburgh while the teen was on bail.
- He had previously been charged with a knife attack on another teenager.
A 17-year-old has pleaded guilty to the murder of 22-year-old John McNab, whom he fatally stabbed with a hunting knife in Edinburgh on September 2, 2025. The violent act took place while the teenager was on bail, having been previously charged for slashing another 16-year-old boy four months earlier at Portobello Beach. This earlier incident led to his release on bail from Edinburgh Sheriff Court on April 25, 2025.
The High Court in Edinburgh heard that Mr. McNab pleaded for his life before the attack, saying, "Please, please don't. I haven't done anything." The youth, who was 16 at the time of the murder, later messaged a friend describing the attack. Harrowing CCTV footage was presented in court, causing distress to the victim's family and friends.
Prior to the fatal stabbing, the teenager had arranged to buy cannabis. A disagreement arose when the victim's friend allegedly tore up the cash and slapped the accused, though Mr. McNab reportedly played no part in this altercation. Mr. McNab and his friends attempted to flee, but were pursued. The attacker later retrieved a hunting knife and waited for Mr. McNab to leave a nearby flat before launching his assault.
Paramedics found Mr. McNab with multiple stab wounds, including one to the abdomen that caused fatal bleeding. Advanced life support measures were unsuccessful. A hunting knife recovered from the scene contained Mr. McNab's blood and the youth's DNA. Sentencing is scheduled for next month, with a potential lifting of reporting restrictions on the youth's identity being considered.
