SENTENCING STATEMENTS
A judge may decide to publish a statement after passing sentence on an offender in cases where there is particular public interest; where a case has legal significance; or where providing the reasons for the decision might assist public understanding.
Please note that statements may include graphic details of offences when it is necessary to fully explain the reasons behind a sentencing decision.
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When deciding a sentence, a judge must deal with the offence that the offender has been convicted of, taking into account the unique circumstances of each particular case. The judge will carefully consider the facts that are presented to the Court by both the prosecution and by the defence.
For more information about how judges decide sentences; what sentences are available; and matters such as temporary release, see the independent Scottish Sentencing Council website.
Read more about victims of crime and sentencing.
HMA v Jaxon Millar
Jun 9, 2026
Upon sentencing, Lord Mulholland made the following remarks:
“Jaxon Millar you have pled guilty to the homicide of Robert McNally. You pursued him with a knife and stabbed him in the back. The wound caused by you went through into his ribs and through and through his lung causing loss of blood caused which was catastrophic and resulted in his death.
"I told you that tit for tat violence solves nothing and leads to tragedy as the family of your victim are now dealing with. You have visited a life sentence of grief on them. Your actions have led you to where you are today facing a lengthy sentence of detention.
"I appreciate that you were attacked by Robert McNally and two others who were armed with weapons. They smashed your car and entered your house to attack you. You responded by setting off fireworks at them. You then left the flat and pursued them with a large knife which you used to stab Robert McNally and take his life. You were then struck on the face with a hatchet causing you a long laceration to your face.
"This type of violence solves nothing and only leads to tragic consequences.
"In sentencing you, I take into account the circumstances, the terms of the JSWR, your age and the relevant sentencing guidelines, the contents of the VIS completed by the deceased’s mother, everything said on your behalf and the timing of the plea of guilty and the benefits that brings to the criminal justice system as a whole.
"Had you not pled guilty when you did, I would have sentenced you to nine years’ detention. Taking account of the timing of the plea of guilty, I sentence you to six years and nine months’ detention.
"I order that the sentence should run from 7 May 2026, the date you were first ordered into custody by the court for this matter.
"I direct in terms of section 210ZA of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 that for the purpose of executing the sentence you are to be treated as having served 232 days. You were the subject of an electronically monitored bail curfew (qualifying bail) and as a result I am required by law to make such a direction.”
9 June 2026