Man guilty of killing father-of-seven in Aberdeen street attack

A man has been found guilty of killing a “loving” father-of-seven after a street attack in Aberdeen.

Derek Pearson, 47, denied attacking Steven Johnson in the city’s Carmelite Lane in March 2023. Mr Johnson, 50, fell and struck his head and later died in hospital.

CCTV showed the victim speaking to a woman – who was Pearson’s partner at the time – in a bar. The three ended up outside, where the altercation happened.

A jury found Pearson – who had lodged a special defence of self defence – guilty by a majority after a five-day trial at the High Court in Aberdeen.

There were emotional scenes inside the courtroom after the verdict, with relatives of the victim cheering.

The indictment stated that Pearson assaulted Mr Johnson on 12 March 2023 at Carmelite Lane and killed him.

The court heard how Pearson pushed him against a wall, pinned him to the wall 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 became unconscious.

He was so severely injured that he died on 14 March 2023 in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

Pearson was also found guilty of assaulting his then partner on the night in question.

Judge Graham Buchanan deferred sentence.

He said Pearson had been convicted of a serious charge of culpable homicide, and that it was inevitable a significant period of imprisonment would be imposed.

The case will call again next month, and Pearson was remanded in custody.

Mr Johnson had been described as a “loving and amazing father, husband, grandad, brother and uncle”.

He had five sons, two daughters and several grandchildren.

Mr Johnson’s brother Ronnie Johnson, 59, who had travelled from Essex, spoke to BBC Scotland News outside court after the verdict.

“We are really happy with the verdict,” he said. “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, added: “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. We hope that this result will be of some comfort to them.”