Renfrew Mum’s Plea as Balfour Appeals Fisher Murder Sentence; Paisley 2026

Key Points

• Robert Fisher, 26, was stabbed to death in a flat on Maxwellton Street, Paisley, on July 23, 2023, and died four days later in hospital.
• Cameron Woods, 27 at sentencing, and Stacey Balfour, 24, were convicted of murder at the High Court in Glasgow in June 2025 after denying the charge at trial.
• Woods received a life sentence with a minimum term of 18-and-a-half years; Balfour was sentenced to life with a minimum of 16 years.
• Balfour has lodged an appeal against her sentence, scheduled for hearing before appeal judges at the High Court in Edinburgh on May 14, 2026.
• Robert’s mother, Pamela Peacock from Renfrew, has publicly urged authorities not to release Balfour early, calling her a “monster” on social media.
• Peacock stated Balfour was “just as much involved in Robert’s murder as Cameron Woods was.”

Renfrew, Paisley (Glasgow Express) May 8, 2026 –Pamela Peacock, the mother of murder victim Robert Fisher, has made a public plea against the early release of her son’s killer as Stacey Balfour prepares to challenge her sentence. The appeal hearing is set for next week at the High Court in Edinburgh. Robert Fisher, 26, was fatally stabbed in a block of flats on Maxwellton Street in Paisley on July 23, 2023.

What Happened on Maxwellton Street?

The incident unfolded in a high-rise flat where tensions escalated into violence. Robert Fisher was found with life-threatening injuries around 5.30pm and was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, where he succumbed to his wounds four days later.

Prosecutors stated that Cameron Woods delivered the fatal stab wound to Fisher’s heart, using a small folding knife that Stacey Balfour had shown to someone earlier and brought to the property.

The court heard the situation in the flat became “volatile,” leading to what prosecutor Erin Campbell described as a “murderous attack.”

Woods was arrested on a nearby cycle path in possession of the murder weapon, which bore Fisher’s blood. Balfour initially told police she last saw Fisher leaving the flat with another man.

As reported by BBC News, the pair, who were in a relationship at the time, were convicted of acting in concert despite denying murder at trial.

How Was the Original Trial Conducted?

The trial took place at the High Court in Glasgow, culminating in convictions in June 2025. Judge Lady Hood told Woods and Balfour:

“Robert Fisher died from a stab wound to the heart, one of a number of injuries. The knife was brought by you, Stacey Balfour, and was wielded by you, Cameron Woods. It was the verdict of the jury that you were acting in unison and were both responsible for this heinous attack.”

Donald Findlay KC, defending Woods, said “no one intended to seek trouble,” adding that “something clearly transpired that incited a conflict.”

Thomas Ross, Balfour’s counsel, noted she had endured a “traumatic” experience in 2014 and a “toxic relationship” prior.

Woods was jailed for life with a minimum of 18-and-a-half years. Balfour received life with a minimum of 16 years.

Coverage from The Independent detailed the sentencing, confirming Fisher was stabbed through the heart during the attack in Paisley, Renfrewshire.

Why Is Stacey Balfour Appealing Her Sentence?

Balfour has launched an appeal against her 16-year minimum term, listed as case HCA/2025/346/XC. The hearing is scheduled for Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 10:30 to 13:00 and 14:00 until conclusion, with a livestream available from the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service.

The appeal court’s proceedings may reference sensitive matters, and viewers are warned of potential distress. Restrictions protect identities where necessary.

No specific grounds for the appeal have been detailed in public reports at this stage.

What Has Pamela Peacock Said About the Appeal?

Pamela Peacock, Robert’s heartbroken mother from Renfrew, posted on social media slamming Woods’ former girlfriend Balfour. As reported by the Daily Record, she wrote:

“People need to know what she is doing to us as a family. The cheek of her. Please believe me, she was just as much involved in Robert’s murder as Cameron Woods was.”

Peacock pleaded: “don’t let this monster out early.” Her post highlighted the ongoing impact on the family as Balfour appears before appeal judges.

Glasgow Live shared the story, noting Peacock’s public statement amid the upcoming hearing.

Who Was Robert Fisher?

Robert Fisher, 26, was described in reports as a young father killed in a brutal attack. He was found critically injured in the Maxwellton Street area of Paisley and died in hospital.

Paisley Photographs confirmed his name and the location of the incident on July 27, 2023. Coverage from Sky News detailed his death following the alleged attack.

What Do We Know About the Convicted Pair?

Cameron Woods and Stacey Balfour were in a relationship at the time of the murder. Woods, then 27, wielded the knife; Balfour, then 24, supplied it.

Yahoo News UK reported the life sentences for the young father’s murder. BBC coverage emphasised the “frenzied” nature of the knife attack in the tower block.

Background of the Development

The murder occurred amid a dispute in the Paisley flat on July 23, 2023, escalating rapidly. Fisher sustained multiple injuries, including the fatal heart stab, in what the court deemed a joint murderous effort. Sentencing followed a trial where the pair’s involvement was established by evidence including the bloodied knife recovered from Woods.

Balfour’s appeal, filed post-conviction, represents a standard legal process allowing challenges to sentence length, scheduled publicly via the Scottish courts system. Peacock’s statements reflect family trauma persisting nearly three years later.

Prediction: Impact on Families of Murder Victims

This development, involving Balfour’s appeal hearing, can prolong uncertainty for families like the Fishers, requiring Pamela Peacock and relatives to relive the case details in court proceedings. Attendance or media coverage may heighten emotional strain during the May 14, 2026, session.

Should the appeal succeed in reducing the minimum term, it could lead to earlier parole consideration, prompting renewed advocacy from victims’ groups for sentencing reforms. Unsuccessful appeals maintain current terms but still demand family resources for monitoring. The livestream option increases public scrutiny, potentially aiding transparency but also exposing personal statements to wider audiences.