Two people have been jailed for the murder of a man who was fatally stabbed in a Paisley flat last summer. Cameron Woods, 27, and Stacey Balfour, 24, were sentenced today (24 June) at the High Court in Glasgow for the killing of 26-year-old Robert Fisher.
Woods was ordered to serve a minimum of 18 and a half years, while Balfour was handed a 16-year sentence. Both received life sentences after being found guilty of murder last month.
The fatal attack took place in July 2023 at a high-rise flat in the town. The court heard that a gathering had turned violent, with tensions escalating among those present. Prosecutors said Woods was the one who stabbed Mr Fisher, with Balfour “acting in concert” — fully aware violence was likely.
A witness recalled Woods earlier holding a large kitchen knife, and the atmosphere in the flat becoming increasingly volatile. Jurors were told the violence eventually erupted into what prosecutor Erin Campbell described as a “murderous attack”.
Mr Fisher managed to leave the flat but was gravely injured, bleeding heavily from stab wounds to his head, chest, and body. He was taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow but died four days later.
In total, Mr Fisher had suffered five stab wounds, including what appeared to be defensive injuries. The knife used in the attack — a small lockback blade attached to a set of keys — was later found in Woods’ possession when police stopped him on a cycle track. The weapon had traces of the victim’s blood.
The court heard Balfour had initially lied to police about the last time she saw Mr Fisher, claiming he had left the flat with someone else.
Woods refused to engage with social workers ahead of sentencing, with his KC Donald Findlay stating the situation had spiralled out of control that day. “Something clearly happened which led to a conflict,” he said. Balfour’s defence KC, Thomas Ross, said she had been through a traumatic event in 2014 and had been in a toxic relationship prior to the killing.
But the jury was clear in its verdict: both were guilty of murder, and both now face long prison sentences.
Mr Fisher’s family did not release a public statement following the sentencing, but his death has left a lasting impact on the local community.
Paisley Photographs 