A man has been imprisoned after being convicted of murdering a father-of-seven who passed away due to a single blow.
Derek Pearson, aged 47, was found guilty of culpable homicide last month following a trial at the High Court in Aberdeen.
The court learned that Pearson attacked Steven Johnson, aged 50, on March 12, 2023, following their departure from a pub in the city's Carmelite Lane.
Pearson struck Mr. Johnson, leading to him collapsing and hitting his head against a parked car and the pavement.
He was transported to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where he passed away two days afterward due to the injuries received during the assault.
According to prosecutors, the event occurred after Mr. Johnson attempted to calm down an altercation between Pearson and his then-partner.
Pearson, who hails from Aberdeen, was likewise convicted for assaulting his ex-partner during the same event.
He received a sentence of seven years in prison at the same courthouse on Friday, according to the Crown Office.
An indefinite non-harassment order was also issued, prohibiting him from making any contact with or trying to make contact with his ex-partner.
Moira Orr, who oversees homicides and major crimes for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, stated, "This case illustrates the catastrophic outcomes that can result from just one blow."
Tragically, Steven Johnson passed away the day following his 50th birthday, and numerous lives were irrevocably altered due to Derek Pearson’s aggressive behavior.
There were indications suggesting that Mr. Johnson was merely attempting to defuse the escalating tensions that evening.
Pearson might have chosen to step aside, yet he decided to participate in this futile outbreak of aggression, an action for which he is now answerable.
Our prosecutors will keep taking actions against individuals accountable for such offenses as we work towards ensuring the safety of the communities we serve.
