Killer jailed for death of 'amazing dad' in street attack

A man who killed a "loving" father-of-seven in a street attack in Aberdeen has been jailed for seven years.

Derek Pearson, 47, had denied attacking Steven Johnson in Carmelite Lane in March 2023 and lodged a special defence of self defence.

Mr Johnson, 50, fell and struck his head and later died in hospital.

A jury found Pearson guilty of culpable homicide after a five-day trial at the High Court in Aberdeen.

Mr Johnson's daughter Charley Reid, 25, described her father as "the most amazing person ever."

Speaking outside court, she said: "Our hearts are absolutely broken, but he (Pearson) is going to jail.

"He's not walking the streets anymore, he's not smirking at us and acting all cocky when he sees us, he's going to jail, that's the main thing."

CCTV had shown Mr Johnson speaking to a woman - Pearson's partner at the time - in a bar in Aberdeen.

Pearson was also found guilty of assaulting her on the night in question.

The three ended up outside, where the fatal attack happened.

Judge Graham Buchanan described the case as a "tragic incident."

He said: "This case demonstrates that limited aggression such as a single punch can have tragic circumstances"

"You allowed your anger and frustration to get the better of you - needless violence led to a man losing his life"

The court heard how Pearson pushed Mr Johnson against a wall, pinned him with his elbow, repeatedly struggled with him, and repeatedly punched him on the head.

This caused Mr Johnson to fall and strike his head off a stationary vehicle and the road, and he became unconscious.

He was so severely injured that he died two days later in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

David Moggach, defending, said Pearson experienced a "loss of control in the heat the moment".

He described the incident as "truly tragic" and "not intended".

He said: "No-one, and that includes Mr Pearson and his family, feel nothing but sympathy for Mr Johnson's family and friends and the huge loss to them all."

He added that Pearson was "extremely remorseful" for what had happened.

Mr Johnson had five sons, two daughters and several grandchildren.

His brother Ronnie Johnson said of the conviction: "It doesn't bring Steven back.

"Derek Pearson took my brother's life. The evidence was overwhelming. We can sleep a little bit easier.

"It's been so hard since we lost Steven. He's got seven children who have got to live their life without their dad."

Det Ch Insp Jamie Sherlock, of Police Scotland, said Steven Johnson was the victim of a "shocking and unprovoked" attack.

"This senseless violence had tragic consequences and our thoughts remain with Steven's family and friends who have also suffered immensely because of Pearson's vicious actions."