A MAN has been handed a 21-year jail term after being convicted of murdering a young father in Dalry.

Gavin McVey, 40, was found guilty on Friday, June 23, following a trial at the High Court in Paisley.

It was found that McVey had murdered 23-year-old Sean McKay in Dalry in October 2021.

Police said McVey had been handed a 21-year prison sentence for killing the young father.

In a previous court appearance in August 2022, McVey had denied the killing the Dalry man.

And today (Friday June 23), following McVey's conviction, Sean's family released a statement via Police Scotland paying tribute to the late man.

They said: "Sean was a much loved son, brother, partner, dad, nephew, cousin, grandson and friend. He was the most gentle, caring, loving, supportive and admirable person.

"He kept us all going. He was the life and soul of the party and loved dancing.

“Life is so quiet without him. He was always the loudest one in the room. He loved football, Game of Thrones and Marvel films.

"He was very family orientated and loved life. He was so proud of being a dad and an uncle.

"It is so sad that his son and nephew will not get to know him and know his character.

"We will always make sure that they remember him. He was so proud of us all. He showed his love to everyone.

“He was an innocent man and never caused any trouble. He was just walking home from work and his life was taken from him."

Sean's family also welcomed the conviction of the man who took his life.

They continued: “It is such a relief that the man who took Sean’s life is away behind bars.

"The fact there were so many people here throughout this trial showed how much losing Sean has impacted all his family and friends.

“We are so grateful to everyone that has supported us. We would like to thank all the witnesses, the police, the Crown, the jury and the support from everyone who came and has supported us throughout.

“The whole family really miss him. Life will never be the same.”

The senior investigating police officer on the case added that he hoped the conviction would bring the family some sense of justice and satisfaction.

Detective Inspector Stephen McCulloch said: “This unprovoked and utterly senseless attack has left Sean’s family absolutely devastated.

"Our thoughts remain with all his family, in particular his young son and his partner, at this extremely difficult and upsetting time.

“I know that nothing can change what has happened, however, I hope that his conviction affords his family and friends some justice and satisfaction that McVey is now behind bars and will be for a long time.

“Gavin McVey callously took Sean’s life. Sean was simply walking home when McVey, armed with a knife, stabbed and killed him for absolutely no reason other than his own wickedness.

“McVey will now have to face the consequences of his actions."