Teen jailed for life after stabbing man to death while on bail for another knife crime

A teenage has been jailed for life after stabbing a man to death while on bail for another knife crime.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will spend at least 17 years behind bars following the attack.

The teen pleaded guilty to the murder of John McNab, 22, outside a block of flats in Edinburgh.

The attack, which occurred in September 2025, came just months after the 17-year-old's previous attack.

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In March 2025, the teenager seriously assaulted a 16-year-old boy in the Portobello area of the city.

He admitted to murder and assault to severe injury during a hearing at the High Court in Edinburgh last month.

The teen was released on bail and went on to commit further crimes.

He was handed a life sentence on Thursday at the High Court in Dundee.

Laura Buchan, legal director with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), issued a warning carrying knives is destroying young lives.

She said: "Within Scotland's prosecution service, we have seen too many cases where young people carrying knives has led to loss of life.

"Families are left devastated and communities can be left living in fear.

"The murder of John McNab shows the serious and tragic harm caused when someone chooses to carry and use a bladed weapon."

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Ms Buchan added: "At just 17, the offender now faces time in custody and a lifelong criminal record because of his deliberate actions.

"That cannot compare to the lasting loss suffered by John's family, and our thoughts remain with them."

Knife crime in Scotland has seen a concerning recent resurgence, particularly among youths and in certain urban areas.

Historically, Scotland had some of the highest knife crime and murder rates in Western Europe.

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