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."