Brawl over chocolate bar led to fatal stabbing

MURDERER William McArdle repeatedly stabbed Billy McPhee with a “Rambo-like” sword after McPhee and his best friend Colin Stewart argued with McArdle’s girlfriend over a bar of chocolate.

Chanelle Barrett, 19, who was drinking with the pair on January 11 at Castleview House, in Craigour Place, snarled that they had not bought her a big enough bar of chocolate.

She called her boyfriend, 25-year-old McArdle, to fight her drinking buddies and he stabbed Mr McPhee to death. Mr Stewart is still recovering.

McArdle was sentended to life in prison, with a recommendation that he serve 22 years.

Barrett, 19 was given a nine-year sentence after assaulting Mr McPhee, 43, and attempting to murder Mr Stewart, 41.

Mr McPhee’s funeral will be held on January 11, 2012, to mark the anniversary of his death.