Charley ReidA man who killed a “loving” father of seven in a street attack in Aberdeen has been imprisoned for seven years.
Derek Pearson, 47, had denied attacking Steven Johnson in Carmelite Lane in March 2023 and presented a special defense of self -defense.
Johnson, 50, fell and hit his head and then died in the hospital.
A jury found Pearson guilty or guilty of homicide after a five -day trial in the Superior Court of Aberdeen.
Johnson’s daughter, Charley Reid, 25, described her father as “the most surprising person in history.”
Speaking outside the court, she said: “Our hearts are absolutely broken, but he (Pearson) goes to jail.
“He is no longer walking the streets, he is not smiling at us and acting and acts arrogant when he sees us, he will go to jail, that’s the main thing.”
CCTV made Mr. Johnson talk to a woman, Pearson’s companion at that time, in a bar in Aberdeen.
Pearson was also declared guilty of assaulting her at the night in question.
The three ended outside, where the fatal attack occurred.
Police ScotlandJudge Graham Buchanan described the case as a “tragic incident.”
He said: “This case shows that limited aggression, as a single blow, can have tragic circumstances”
“You allow your anger and frustration to overcome it: unnecessary violence led a man to lose his life”
The court heard how Pearson pushed Johnson against a wall, covered him with his elbow, fought repeatedly with him and repeatedly hit him in the head.
This caused Mr. Johnson to fall and leave a stationary vehicle and the road, and was unconscious.
He was so seriously injured that he died two days later in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
David Moggach, defender, said Pearson experienced a “loss of heat control at the time.”
The incident described as “truly tragic” and “unintended.”
He said: “No one, and that includes Mr. Pearson and his family, feel nothing more than sympathy for the family and friends of Mr. Johnson and the great loss for all of them.”
He added that Pearson was “extremely repentant” for what had happened.
Johnson familyJohnson had five sons, two daughters and several granddaughters.
His brother Ronnie Johnson said about the conviction: “He doesn’t bring Steven back.
“Derek Pearson took my brother’s life. The evidence was a round. We can sleep a little more easily.
“It is such a difficult bone since we lost Steven. He has seven children who have to live their life without dad.”
Detch Ins Jamie Sherlock, or Police Scotland, said Steven Johnson was the victim of an “shocking and unpaved” attack.
“This sensor violence had a tragic consistency and our thoughts remain with Steven’s family and friends who have also suffered greatly due to Pearson’s vicious actions.”
