Menu
13/12/2023
Man Jailed For 15 Years For 2020 Murder Of Nathan Gibson
A 44-year-old man has been jailed for a minimum of 15 years for the January 2020 murder of Nathan Gibson.
John Paul Whitla had previously pleaded guilty to murder, false imprisonment, common assault and entering as a trespasser with intent to commit a sexual offence.
At Craigavon Crown Court today, Wednesday 13 December, he was told he will serve a minimum of 15 years in prison.
Welcoming the sentencing, Detective Inspector Hazel Miller said: "Whitla, covered in blood, gained entry to a house in the Legahory Court area of Craigavon. This was on the night of Thursday 16 January 2020. Here, he told the woman present that he had murdered her fiancé. He then held her captive, while threatening to rape and kill her.
"The woman managed to escape by jumping from an upstairs window, whereupon she raised the alarm with a neighbour.
"A short time later police, tragically, located Nathan Gibson's dead body on a walkway, near Lake Road. The young man, who was just 25 years old, had sustained multiple and catastrophic stab wounds to his face and neck in what was a vicious, shocking and sustained attack.
"Whitla was arrested a short time later on suspicion of murder."
Detective Inspector Miller continued: "This was an absolutely terrifying and traumatic ordeal for Nathan's fiancée, who was threatened, and left to feel unsafe in her own home. She, and Nathan's family, have suffered an unimaginable and heart-breaking loss.
"Whitla murdered Nathan Gibson in the most brutal of attacks. While his motivation is unknown, there is absolutely no doubt that this was the senseless loss of a young life.
"My thoughts remain with Nathan's loved ones, and I can only hope that today's sentencing will bring them some comfort as they continue to try to come to terms with their grief."
John Paul Whitla had previously pleaded guilty to murder, false imprisonment, common assault and entering as a trespasser with intent to commit a sexual offence.
At Craigavon Crown Court today, Wednesday 13 December, he was told he will serve a minimum of 15 years in prison.
Welcoming the sentencing, Detective Inspector Hazel Miller said: "Whitla, covered in blood, gained entry to a house in the Legahory Court area of Craigavon. This was on the night of Thursday 16 January 2020. Here, he told the woman present that he had murdered her fiancé. He then held her captive, while threatening to rape and kill her.
"The woman managed to escape by jumping from an upstairs window, whereupon she raised the alarm with a neighbour.
"A short time later police, tragically, located Nathan Gibson's dead body on a walkway, near Lake Road. The young man, who was just 25 years old, had sustained multiple and catastrophic stab wounds to his face and neck in what was a vicious, shocking and sustained attack.
"Whitla was arrested a short time later on suspicion of murder."
Detective Inspector Miller continued: "This was an absolutely terrifying and traumatic ordeal for Nathan's fiancée, who was threatened, and left to feel unsafe in her own home. She, and Nathan's family, have suffered an unimaginable and heart-breaking loss.
"Whitla murdered Nathan Gibson in the most brutal of attacks. While his motivation is unknown, there is absolutely no doubt that this was the senseless loss of a young life.
"My thoughts remain with Nathan's loved ones, and I can only hope that today's sentencing will bring them some comfort as they continue to try to come to terms with their grief."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Visit Belfast Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Tourism Landscape
Visit Belfast, the city's dedicated Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), is celebrating a quarter-century of success.
Visit Belfast Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Tourism Landscape
Visit Belfast, the city's dedicated Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), is celebrating a quarter-century of success.
15 March 2019
Lisburn Man To Serve 17 Years Over Christmas Day Murder
A 20-year-old Lisburn man has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 17 years in custody for the murder of his stepmum, Jayne Toal Reat. Ms Reat, a 43-year-old nurse, died in her daughter Charlotte's arms after being stabbed multiple times by Nathan Ward on Christmas Day in 2017.
Lisburn Man To Serve 17 Years Over Christmas Day Murder
A 20-year-old Lisburn man has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 17 years in custody for the murder of his stepmum, Jayne Toal Reat. Ms Reat, a 43-year-old nurse, died in her daughter Charlotte's arms after being stabbed multiple times by Nathan Ward on Christmas Day in 2017.
17 September 2024
21-Year-Old Charged With The Murder Of His Mother
A 21-year-old man has appeared in court charged in connection with the murder of a 43-year-old woman in east Belfast on Friday, 13 September. The suspect has been named by the PSNI as Nathan Simpson, and he is charged with the murder of his mother, Rachel Simpson, at her home on the Castlereagh Road last Friday.
21-Year-Old Charged With The Murder Of His Mother
A 21-year-old man has appeared in court charged in connection with the murder of a 43-year-old woman in east Belfast on Friday, 13 September. The suspect has been named by the PSNI as Nathan Simpson, and he is charged with the murder of his mother, Rachel Simpson, at her home on the Castlereagh Road last Friday.
24 June 2024
Attempted Murder Investigation Launches In Ballygowan
An attempted murder investigation has been launched after shotgun pellets were fired into a house in Ballygowan on Saturday evening, 22 June. Police received a report that at around 11pm, a number of shotgun pellets were fired through the window of a house in the Brae Grove area, striking a woman in the head and her back.
Attempted Murder Investigation Launches In Ballygowan
An attempted murder investigation has been launched after shotgun pellets were fired into a house in Ballygowan on Saturday evening, 22 June. Police received a report that at around 11pm, a number of shotgun pellets were fired through the window of a house in the Brae Grove area, striking a woman in the head and her back.
21 November 2022
Bomb Attack On Police Being Treated As Attempted Murder
The PSNI has launched an attempted murder investigation following an attack on two officers in the Mount Carmel Heights area of Strabane. The targeted attack took place shortly before 11pm on Thursday 17 November, when an improvised explosive device caused damage to a police vehicle.
Bomb Attack On Police Being Treated As Attempted Murder
The PSNI has launched an attempted murder investigation following an attack on two officers in the Mount Carmel Heights area of Strabane. The targeted attack took place shortly before 11pm on Thursday 17 November, when an improvised explosive device caused damage to a police vehicle.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
