Lanarkshire pensioner killed friend with punch after 'harmless banter'
John Green pleaded guilty to culpable homicide
A Lanarkshire pensioner is facing jail after killing his childhood friend with a punch.
John Green, 67, hit John Thompson, 69, in the face after "harmless banter" about when they were young.
The victim fell to the ground and suffered a fatal head injury after the incident last July.
There was blood on the pavement and he had a large gash to his head.
Emergency services soon arrived at the scene to try and help Mr Thomson.
Mr Thomson was rushed to hospital and was found to have a significant head injury. He never recovered and died three days later.
Mr Green now faces a jail term following his guilty plea to the culpable homicide of Mr Thomson.
He said: "I am guilty. He slapped me 40 years ago, so I slapped him back tonight, but he is my mate."
After initially being arrested for assault, he added: "Honestly, it is something that should not have happened."
Lord Richardson agreed to continue bail for Green as sentencing was deferred for reports until May 17 in Edinburgh.