Brian McHale guilty of murdering teenager Dale Bennett in Midlothian
A 21-year-old man has been found guilty of murdering a teenager who he stabbed to death during a row in Midlothian.
Brian McHale was convicted of killing 17-year-old Dale Bennett, from Mayfield, following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Mr Bennett died after a disturbance on Newbyres Crescent, Gorebridge, on 12 February last year.
He had been in the area with friends when a confrontation took place. He was stabbed in the chest by McHale.
Mr Bennett was taken to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where he died from his injuries.
Det Insp Jim Robertson, of Lothian and Borders Police, said: "My thoughts are first and foremost with Dale Bennett's family, who have carried themselves with a huge amount of dignity during what has been a harrowing ordeal for them.
"It is my sincere hope that they can draw some comfort from the conviction of Brian McHale, who has expressed no remorse for Dale's death, and who despite the weight of evidence gathered against him, chose to put the family through the ordeal of sitting through a trial by pleading not guilty."
He added: "This was a crime that shocked the local community, and from the outset of this investigation the community rallied round and provided us with information and assistance that was crucial in helping to bring this case to court.
"Dale's death was a tragedy that could have been avoided were it not for the senseless decision of one individual to use a knife, and this case once again highlights the tragic consequences that can occur when someone chooses to carry a knife."