Two men killed the man they blamed for their friend's death

Mr Mackay was killed in a revenge attack Credit: Police Scotland

Two men have been jailed for life for a revenge attack on a man they believed was responsible for the death of their friend.

Dean Melnyk, 20, and Andrew ‘Buster’ Brown, 23, were sentenced for a minimum of 20 years for the murder of Kevin MacKay, 39, who they believe to have supplied lethal drugs to their friend, Jamie Abba.

Jamie Abba, aged 19, died after taking an ecstasy tablet. After the funeral of Mr Abba, Melynk and Brown travelled to Ecclfechan in Dumfries and Galloway and repeatedly stabbed Mr MacKay.

Mr MacKay suffered 80 injuries in the attack.

Jamie 'Jabba' Abba died after taking an ecstasy tablet Credit: Police Scotland

It has been described as a 'trying time' for Ecclefechan by Councillor Archie Dryburgh:

Speaking at the High Court in Edinburgh, Judge Lord Armstrong described it as an ‘intensely violent attack’.

Dean Melnyk was sentenced to a minimum of 20 years Credit: Police Scotland
Andrew Brown was sentenced to a minimum of 20 years Credit: Police Scotland

After pleading guilty to murder last week, it is reported that Brown shouted to Mr MacKay’s daughter that he ‘had never meant to kill’ Mr MacKay.

Advocates of the men told the court that the men have expressed remorse for their actions.

Police say they will continue to work with the community and hope to 'keep people safe in a sustained period of calm'.