A heartbroken family have paid tribute to 'one in a million' dad Tony Nichol who was cruelly taken away from them in a senseless slaying.
Tony had been to visit a friend and was leaving a block of flats in Kenton, Newcastle, when tragedy struck. As he laughed and joked with partner, Natalie Dowds, he suddenly became involved in a confrontation with Andrew Somerville for reasons that are not clear.
Somerville ended up knifing Mr Nichol and left him with catastrophic injuries from which the 36-year-old died. After the 42-year-old was cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter, Tony's mum, sister and partner spoke of their devastation at their loss.
Read more: Killer Andrew Somerville cleared of murder but guilty of manslaughter of much-loved dad
His mum, Janet, said: "There are no words that can express the pain, trauma and heartache we are going through. Our son has been taken from us and he is not coming back.
"All we have left to keep us going is Tony's daughter, our granddaughter, who is only three years old. He will miss her first day of school, her Christmas nativity, her birthdays, her face as she meets Santa Clause, getting her GCSE results and her high school prom and all the massive experiences you want your parents to share.
"We will make sure he will live on each time we see her talk about her dad so his memory continues. I never want any mother to feel the devastation I have felt when I was notified on that night, when our world literally fell apart and changed forever."
Tony's beloved little sister Georgina said: "Growing up and going through school, if I ever needed guidance I always knew I had Tony. He took his role as 'big bro' super seriously, which gave everyone a giggle now and then. Tony was always someone I looked up to. To me he was the kindest funniest most protective man I had in my life.”
And partner, Natalie, spoke of the night of Tony's death explaining: "The night I lost Tony was the worst night of my life. The horrific night that changed our lives forever. I tried my very best to save him but I had to literally watch him die in front of me, something I want to forget but never can.
"Tony is my one in a million man, he would light up a room with his smile and would literally melt my heart."
Detective Chief Inspector Joanne Brooks, who led the investigation, praised the bravery of Tony's family. She said: “Our thoughts remain with Tony's family during this difficult time. I want to commend their bravery throughout this investigation and I hope today's outcome can help give them solace that justice has been brought for their much-loved dad, son and brother."
Somerville of Columbia Grange, Kenton, has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced later this month.
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