Man convicted of stabbing friend to death in Wishaw

A man's been convicted of stabbing a friend to death in Wishaw.

Francis McConnachie attacked 21-year-old Thomas O'Rourke during a row in February last year.

The 36 year-old had denied murdering Celtic supporter Thomas, who was knifed four times.

McConnachie was convicted of the reduced charge of culpable homicide while acting under provocation following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced in the New Year.

The pair had ended up in McConnachie's home that day after the killer returned from walking his dad's dog.

He described the atmosphere as initially "good" between them.

But, a row then broke out leading to McConnachie ordering his friend to leave.

The killer claimed Thomas went on to make threats to him and his brother before he left.

McConnachie: "I basically went after him."

The court heard the pair ended up in a "stand-up fight" out in the street before McConnachie was pulled away. Both then returned to their homes.

However, McConnachie said he heard Thomas back outside shouting and left his property again.

He claimed Thomas was armed with a knife. McConnachie said he told him: "You do not stab your pals."

The killer stated he was "in disbelief", but he managed to grab hold of Thomas.

The court heard there was a "big struggle" with both men on the ground as McConnachie apparently tried to disarm him.

It was during this Thomas was fatally struck, but McConnachie said: "I do not know how it happened."

His KC Richard Goddard asked him: "Do you know what part of the body the knife damaged?"

He replied: "No."

Mr Goddard: "What was going through your head?"

McConnachie: "Panic, loss of breath. I was trying to fight for my life."

But, he added he was "extremely shocked" when he spotted Thomas on the ground dying.

McConnachie was later heard to state: "How can I plead my innocence? I was defending myself.

"If someone is trying to kill you, what are you meant to do?"

Prosecutors said McConnachie had gone after Thomas when he could have easily stayed at home.

There was evidence he was demanding to know where Thomas was while shouting: "I will do 15 years".

Advocate depute Ann MacNeill put to him that he had "unfinished business" with the victim.

Miss MacNeill: "You went out with two knives tooled up."

McConnachie: "No, I did not do that."

Lord Arthurson adjourned sentencing for reports.

Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.