Jaxon Millar, then 19, struck Robert McNally, 21, in Paisley, Renfrewshire, on January 18 2025.
Mr McNally who was armed with a machete and two other masked men had attended Millar’s home that day amid a dispute.
The homeowner threw fireworks at the men who went on to briefly enter the property before exiting.
Millar’s car was then vandalised before he left his home with a knife which he plunged into the back of Mr McNally who later died.
Robert McNally (Image: Robert McNally)
Robert McNally (Image: Robert McNally)
Millar, of Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, pleaded guilty to culpable homicide after he was initially charged with murder.
Judge Lord Mulholland told Millar at today’s sentencing: “This was catastrophic and resulted in Mr McNally’s death.
“You used a knife and this court sees too many cases of knives being used with tragic consequences.
“This has left tragic consequences which his family will have to live with.
“You have inflicted a lifetime of grief upon them and your actions have led you to what you are facing today.
“This type of violence serves nothing and only leads to tragic consequences.”
Robert McNally murder (Image: Robert McNally murder)
The High Court in Glasgow was previously told that the two men were known to each other but were not friends.
It was stated that the background was that Mr McNally and his friends were annoyed that a woman known to Millar had given a police statement regarding domestic abuse allegations.
This led to someone being held in custody and the group wanted to speak to Millar, now aged 20, about it.
Mr McNally’s friends attended Millar’s home that day and had an argument with him.
Mr McNally was later informed by his friends what had happened which got him angry.
The three men who were masked drove to Millar’s home while masked with Mr McNally armed with a machete and an associate had a hatchet.
Mr McNally repeatedly banged on the door with the knife before Millar threw fireworks at the three men from an upstairs window.
Mr McNally and the two others ran into Millar’s flat for 30 to 60 seconds before they exited the property.
One of the men started to smash Millar’s car and was then joined by Mr McNally.
Millar ran out his home and chased after Mr McNally.
Robert McNally murder (Image: Robert McNally murder)
Prosecutor Greg Farrell said: “Millar caught up with him and stabbed him once on the back. Mr McNally fell to the ground,
“The other man, who was armed, ran back and a brief altercation took place amongst the three men.
“Mr McNally had got back to his feet.
“During the altercation, Millar was struck on the side of the face with a hatchet.”
Millar ran back into his house as Mr McNally and the other man walked off.
Mr McNally collapsed to the ground as the other man tried to give first aid and shouted for help.
The knife and hatchet used by them was later recovered.
Emergency services attended but Mr McNally did not survive.
The cause of death was stated to be ‘stab wound to chest’.
The blade was found to have entered the left lung which collapsed and was “sufficient enough to account for death.”
John Scullion KC, defending, told the sentencing: “This was done under extreme provocation and he acted out of character.
“He accepts full responsibility for his actions and has expressed regret for acting as he did. He has also expressed remorse for the death. He has expressed empathy for the loss the family have suffered.”
Robert McNally murder (Image: Robert McNally murder)
After his death, tributes were paid to Mr McNally with girlfriend Angel White saying: “Robert darling. Our relationship wasn’t perfect, you were the most hot headed, craziest boy I have ever met.
“But there wasn’t anything you wouldn’t do for the people you cared about and that’s what I loved about you.
“You have been taken away from us all so sudden and far too early but I feel lucky to say I got to spend the last few months of your life by your side and I’m really going to miss you.
“I’ll always hold a place for you in my heart Robert, forever.”
Cousin Nicole Adam said: “My heart is broken into a million pieces, I haven’t just lost my little cousin but a little brother.”
