Man jailed over Motherwell murder

A Motherwell man has been convicted of murdering a love rival.

Declan Blythe fatally stabbed 23 year-old Cameron McMillan in the Lanarkshire town on May 19 2019.

The 23 year-old had been dating Mr McMillan's former partner Amy Newton at the time.

Miss Newton invited Cameron back to the flat she shared with Blythe for a house party shortly before the attack.

Blythe went on to stab the dad in the street - but later claimed not to know how his victim was injured.

He is now behind bars after being found guilty of murder following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

Blythe, of Hamilton, Lanarkshire, faces a life sentence when he returns to the dock in January.

The killer and 22 year-old Miss Newton had been living together for around five months at the time.

But, she told an earlier trial - halted due to the pandemic lockdown in March - that she confessed to Blythe of still loving Mr McMillan.

Blythe was left "upset and gutted".

In her speech to the jury at this latest trial, prosecutor Shanti Maguire said: "You may have a view that she was toying with the affections of both these young men."

The mum and Blythe still intended to go on holiday with family in the summer of 2019.

But, she was asked in court about discussing any "plans" with Mr McMillan for after the break.

Miss Newton: "I said I would maybe think about getting back with him after the holiday, but I was not sure."

Jurors heard how the murder occurred after Mr McMillan turned up at the flat his ex shared with Blythe.

One witness said it was a "shock" to see him. Blythe was described as "not in the mood for a party".

Blythe told this trial that he wanted to leave and called a taxi.

He claimed to then be standing in the street with co-accused Stephen Glen, 37, when Mr McMillan came out brandishing a knife.

However, Miss Newton told the trial her ex was not armed.

Blythe insisted he got hold of Mr McMillan's arm, but did not touch any blade.

In her closing speech, prosecutor Shanti Maguire told jurors: "He does not know how Cameron McMillan sustained the stab wound."

The court heard the fatal blow to the chest area would have required a "severe" amount of force.

Miss Maguire said Blythe's claims were "wholly incredible".

The advocate depute also recalled Miss Newton being quizzed about Mr McMillan being at her flat that night.

Miss Maguire: "She was asked what did she think of her decision to invite him up. She said: 'I shouldn't have'."

Blythe was further convicted of two separate assault charges.

Glen, of Carfin, Lanarkshire, was also found guilty of assault. He was bailed and will be sentenced at the same date.

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