Man jailed for killing new father

Mackenzie had consumed large quantities of alcohol

A man who stabbed a new father to death has been jailed for 10 years.

Mark Connor, 27, of Inverness, was drinking in the city to celebrate his daughter's birth but ended up at a party where he got into an argument.

James Mackenzie, 23, was originally charged with murder, but the Crown accepted his guilty plea to a reduced charge of culpable homicide.

Speaking outside the High Court in Edinburgh, Mr Connor's brother Paul said justice had not been served.

Mr Connor's long-term girlfriend sat in court with their young daughter for the sentencing.

I take account of your regret and remorse and awareness of the suffering which you have caused Mr Connor's family Lord Hodge

The judge, Lord Hodge, told Mackenzie a substantial custodial sentence was unavoidable.

Lord Hodge told Mackenzie: "The fact you had consumed excessive quantities of alcohol and may also have taken drugs is no excuse for your behaviour."

The judge added: "I take account of your regret and remorse and awareness of the suffering which you have caused Mr Connor's family."

In his statement, Lord Hodge said Mr Connor had behaved in an aggressive manner and that he had a criminal record including 13 convictions for violence.

The judge said Mackenzie may have been scared of his victim, but there was no evidence Mr Connor was armed himself.

Outside the court, Paul Connor said: "I honestly don't think 10 years is enough.

"It was premeditated murder. He stabbed him twice and both stab wounds were fatal. He knew what he was doing.

"He got rid of the knife. He got rid of his clothing. I just feel justice has not been served."

Resuscitation attempts

Earlier, Mackenzie, of Inverness, admitted killing his victim by repeatedly striking him with a knife on the body at a flat in Abbey Court on 14 June last year.

Mr Connor, who worked as an overhead linesman, had travelled from his place of work in Bristol to Inverness to see his girlfriend and their new daughter.

He went out drinking in Inverness then phoned a friend who was at the party where the attack occurred.

Advocate depute Iain McSporran told the court it appeared Mr Connor was being loud and sarcastic at the party. There was a scuffle later and Mr Connor challenged Mackenzie to fight him outside.

While a friend was trying to get Mr Connor out of the flat, Mackenzie stabbed him with a long, silver blade and pushed him out into the landing.

An ambulance was called but despite resuscitation attempts Mr Connor was pronounced dead at hospital.