A callous killer has been jailed for life after murdering an innocent young father who was walking home from work.
Sean McKay died after being attacked by evil Gavin McVey on October 10, 2021.
McVey, 40, was found guilty of the 23-year-old’s murder, following a trial at the High Court in Paisley.
He was sentenced to 21 years in prison for the “unprovoked and utterly senseless” attack on Sean, who was originally from Paisley.
As the jury read out their unanimous verdict, dozens of Sean’s family, friends and loved ones clapped, cheered and said “thank you” to the jury.
Lord Mulholland slammed McVey’s actions – who sat in the dock shaking his head – as “despicable and cowardly.”
Lord Mulholland said: “You’ve been convicted of murder of Sean McKay.
“A young man with his whole life ahead of him.
“He was on his way home from work when he encountered you under the influence of alcohol with a knife with intents of harm.
“You’ve also delivered a life sentence of grief to his partner, son, mother, father, sister and other family and friends.
“You left a three-year-old without a father.
“This was a senseless murder.
“What you did was despicable and cowardly.”
Armed with a knife, McVey attacked the young father causing damage to his liver, diaphragm and heart.
Members of the public rushed to help Mr McKay, but he was found dead at the scene on St Margaret’s Avenue, Dalry.
Twisted McVey then tried to cover his tracks by hiding the blooded knife in his mother’s garden and disposed of his jacket.
McVey then took a bus from Dalry to Ayr and bought new clothes at a shop in Irvine “concealing evidence” and to “avoid detection”.
Following the trial, the evil thug was also found guilty of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
The High Court of Paisley also heard how the calculated murderer also sent a text to a pal stating: “I killed some c**t” following the tragic aftermath.
Lord Mulholland stated: “You tried to cover your tracks.
“You disposed of the knife in a tent in your mother’s garden.
“The knife was clearly the murder weapon.
“Sean McKay’s blood was on it and your DNA on the handle. You sent a text message to a friend which stated, I quote, ‘I killed some c**t.’
“You did nothing to help him, you got off your mark and tried to hide what you done.
“Your criminal record shows you are no stranger to violence.
“You also have a conviction of being in possession of a weapon, alongside a conviction of attempting to defeat the ends of justice and a conviction of assaulting a child.
“Society is well rid of you.
“I hereby sentence you to life in prison.
“Take him down.”
Members of the public gallery gave a sigh of relief and clapped as heartless McVey was taken down to start his prison sentence.
In a statement released through Police Scotland, Sean McKay’s family said “life would never be the same again” following his tragic death.
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.
“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.”
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Stephen McCulloch, added: “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.
“I would like to thank Sean’s family, friends and those in the wider community who helped officers during this difficult enquiry.”
Don't miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
