A murderer who was jailed for taking part in a brutal gang killing in Fraserburgh has died in prison.
Gary Clampett was killed in a frenzied attack involving a machete, a sword and a hammer in the middle of the street on June 18, 2017.
Six men were convicted following his death, including 55-year-old James Connor, who was sentenced to 14 years and 11 months behind bars for his role in the assault.
Today the Scottish Prison Service announced his death while in custody at HMP Grampian, and said an investigation will be launched into the circumstances.
During a High Court trial, Connor was found guilty of murder alongside John Henderson, Gary Martin, Thomas Martin and Dean Leech.
A sixth man, Joseph Martin, was convicted of the lesser charge of culpable homicide.
In total, the group were jailed for more than 100 years.
Mr Clampett bled to death after he was stabbed in the chest following a brawl in front of his home on Fernie Place.
During the trial, the jury heard the violence had stemmed from a long-running dispute between the Clampett and Martin families.
Imposing his sentence, judge Lord Beckett acknowledged that Henderson was the man who stabbed Mr Clampett, but said the others who “overpowered him” were equally as responsible for his death.
Mr Clampett’s family described him as a “loving and protective husband and father”.
They said: “These men will never appreciate just how much they have ripped our family apart and no punishment will ever be enough for robbing us of him.”
A prison spokesman said: “James Connor, 55, a prisoner at HMP Grampian has died.
“He was convicted at Glasgow High Court in April 2018.
“Police Scotland have been informed and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
“A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held in due course.”