Full Breakdown
Fatal Stabbing of John McNab in Leith Linked to Earlier Portobello Beach Attack
5/6/2026, 9:05:02 PM
Fatal Stabbing of John McNab in Leith
On 2 September 2025, 22-year-old John McNab was pursued down Great Junction Street in Leith, Edinburgh, and suffered four stab wounds—three to his left thigh and one to his abdomen—inflicted by a 16-year-old youth wearing a balaclava. The attacker used a 20 cm hunting knife, delivering a deep (?10 cm) abdominal wound that severed the main artery and vein, causing fatal bleeding.
Earlier Portobello Beach Attack and Bail Decision
The same youth had earlier, on 21 March 2025, chased a 16-year-old boy on the promenade at Portobello beach and seriously wounded him with a knife. After that incident, a sheriff granted the youth bail on 25 April 2025. The bail decision has been highlighted by the prosecution as a point of concern given the subsequent fatal attack.
Principal Parties
- John McNab – 22-year-old victim, described by witnesses as pleading for his life.
- Unidentified Youth – 16 at the time of both attacks; diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Advocate Depute Michelle Brannagan – Senior prosecutor presenting the case.
- Lord Harrower – High Court judge who deferred sentencing pending a psychiatric report.
Chronology of Events
- 21 Mar 2025 – Knife assault at Portobello beach.
- 25 Apr 2025 – Youth released on bail.
- 2 Sep 2025 – Fatal stabbing of John McNab in Leith.
- Sep 2025 – High Court hearing in Edinburgh.
- Next month – Sentencing hearing scheduled in Dundee.
Data Summary
- Victim age: 22; attacker age: 16.
- Stab wounds: 4 (3 thigh, 1 abdomen).
- Knife blade length: 20 cm; abdominal wound depth: ?10 cm.
- Mental-health diagnoses: autism spectrum disorder, complex PTSD.
Official Statements & Responses
Advocate Depute Brannagan stated the youth pursued McNab after a disputed cannabis transaction, emphasizing that McNab “played no part in the exchange.” The prosecutor noted the prior night’s issue involving the accused but reiterated McNab’s non-involvement. Police recovered the hunting knife bearing McNab’s blood and the youth’s DNA. Lord Harrower deferred sentencing to allow preparation of a psychiatric report and considered a BBC request to lift reporting restrictions on the youth’s identity.
Eyewitness Observations
A local resident reported hearing a distressed male shouting “please don’t” before hearing a thud and seeing a figure in a hood lunging at McNab. Emergency responders heard McNab repeatedly call, “help me, help me, I’m dying,” before he succumbed to his injuries.
Points of Contention & Information Gaps
The bail granted after the March attack has been questioned in light of the September murder. Reporting restrictions prevent identification of the youth, though the BBC has sought permission to lift them. No further details on the cannabis-deal dispute or the psychiatric assessment have been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Please, please don't. I haven't done anything.” — John McNab (as reported)
- “Ran after him on the middle of Junction Street wi a big Rambo, he fell to the groon and I started stabbing f*** oot o him.” — Youth (messaged friend)
- “Please, please don't. I haven't done anything.” — Resident (as reported)
- “They were clear that there had been an issue with the accused earlier in the night but that John McNab had played no part in it.” — Prosecutor (Advocate Depute Michelle Brannagan)
Upcoming Proceedings
A sentencing hearing will take place in Dundee next month, where the judge will consider the forthcoming psychiatric report and the BBC’s motion to lift the youth’s anonymity.
