A man who murdered a labourer during street brawl in Moray has been found dead in jail.
Jamie Nicol was jailed for a minimum of 18 years after being convicted of killing Stephen Johnston in Lesmurdie Road, Elgin, in June 2010.
The 29-year-old performed a “sickening” victory-style dance after stabbing the father-of-six during a fight between two rival gangs.
Nicol – who was also a convicted drug dealer – was serving his sentence at HMP Shotts, Lanarkshire but was found dead on Monday.
Police are investigating, but there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.
Last night a spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: “A prisoner from HM Shotts Prison died in custody.
“Police Scotland have been advised and the matter will be reported to the procurator fiscal. Next of kin have been informed.
“A fatal accident inquiry will be held in due course.”
A police spokeswoman added: “Police Scotland can confirm a 29-year-old man was found dead at Shotts Prison on Monday, December 1. Inquiries are ongoing, but it is understood that there are no suspicious circumstances.”
The Crown Office confirmed they had received a report in connection with Nicol’s death, and said their investigation was ongoing.
A jury took just two hours to find Nicol guilty of murdering Mr Johnston after a four-week trial at the High Court in Aberdeen.
He was also convicted of assaulting Derek Simpson in Kinellar Park, Blackburn, the day before Mr Johnston died.
Moments after Nicol stabbed Mr Johnston, witnesses said they saw him do a bare-chested victory dance in the street.
Advocate depute Leanne Cross, prosecuting, said although Nicol had lodged a special defence of self-defence in that he claimed he was protecting a friend, witnesses had seen him run towards a retreating Mr Johnston to strike him.
On sentencing, judge Lord Uist told Nicol it was clear to him he had gone out on the night of the attack “armed and intent on violence.”