The court heard Frizell and his victim took part in a press-ups contest

A man has been jailed for eight-and-a-half years for the "pointless" knife killing of a father-of-three after a press-ups contest in Aberdeen.

John Frizell, 29, was involved in "macho banter" and press-ups which turned into a fight with Ian Wilson, 48, at a flat in Western Road.

Frizell was originally charged with murder but admitted culpable homicide.

Lord Brodie, at the High Court in Edinburgh, said there had been "quite unnecessary aggression".

The court heard both men took part in a press-ups contest last November, but a confrontation broke out and punches were thrown.

Frizell picked up a knife and stabbed Mr Wilson in the chest.

The victim grabbed a duvet which he held against the wound and an ambulance was called.

However, despite undergoing an emergency operation, he died from the injury which pierced his heart.

'Good-humoured banter'

Frizell had been released from a previous prison sentence about four months earlier.

Defence counsel Mark Stewart QC said Frizell's history of offending was largely to do with drug use.

He said the former apprentice car mechanic's life "went off the rails" following a double bereavement in his family.

Mr Stewart said the incident had begun with "good-humoured banter".

Lord Brodie told Frizell: "I regard this as a pointless killing which involved quite unnecessary aggression using a knife."

The judge said the killer had "a lengthy and significant criminal record" which included convictions for possessing an offensive weapon and drugs.

Lord Brodie told Frizell he would have jailed him for 11 years for his latest offence, but the sentence would be reduced due to his guilty plea.

Police assault

The senior investigating officer, Det Chf Insp Malcolm Stewart, of Grampian Police, said: "We welcome today's guilty plea and I am pleased that the diligent, thorough investigation undertaken by our officers and our partner agencies has brought us to this point.

"Thankfully this type of crime is extremely rare in the north east of Scotland. This investigation sends a very clear signal that Grampian Police are committed to tackling this type of crime and should serve as a stark warning to those who persist in engaging in it.

"The thoughts of my staff and I are with Ian's family at this difficult time."

In 2006, Frizell was jailed for three months for assaulting the then deputy chief constable of Grampian Police, Pat Shearer.

Frizell admitted assaulting Mr Shearer, by slamming a car door on his leg in 2005.