Teenager admits causing death of man with a single punch following night out in Paisley

A teenager who killed a stranger with a single punch in Paisley is facing jail.

James Crossan attacked Jonathan McEwan following a night out there in April this year.

Jonathan – described as a “popular” chef and dad-of-three – never recovered after hitting his head as a result of the blow.

18-year-old Crossan went on to discover on social media the 33 year-old had died.

He then sobbed as he told his mum: “I don't believe this.”

Crossan again wept today as he pled guilty to a culpable homicide charge at the High Court in Glasgow.

A judge heard how the death has shattered Jonathan's family – with his mum missing a “hug” from her beloved son.

Crossan – a first offender - had his bail continued.

He was warned, however, he faces being locked up when he is sentenced in December.

A group of Jonathan's emotional relatives were in court to hear the circumstances of the fatal attack.

Jonathan and Crossan were not known to one another.

They had each been out separately with friends at clubs in Paisley before ending up standing in the town's busy New Street around 3am on April 22.

It was there Jonathan allegedly gave a “nasty look” to an accomplice of Crossan.

The court heard this “prompted” Crossan and a friend to confront the dad.

Crossan was initially described as approaching Jonathan “aggressively”.

The teen then moved away before returning to hit his victim.

Prosecutor Iain McSporran QC explained: “He punched him to the left side of his head causing him to fall to the ground.”

The advocate depute said Jonathan then lay “motionless and obviously unconscious.”

The court was today/yesterday shown CCTV of the attack – but the victim's distressed family left before the clip was played.

Crossan left a bleeding Jonathan in the street and ran home to tell his mum he had been in a fight.

The killer then learned online from friends that Jonathan had not survived.

Mr McSporran told the court: 'He was distraught saying: 'I don't believe this – pray this boy has not died'.”

Crossan, also of Paisley, contacted police himself and confessed to “striking” Jonathan once.

Mr McSporran: “He said he had no intention of hurting him.”

Jonathan died two days later in hospital having suffered a fatal brain injury.

The court was told his loss had left a “big gap” in his family's life.

In a victim impact statement, his mum said she missed a “hug” and a “blether” with her son.

Crossan's QC stated the apprentice plumber had “acted rashly” that night and “without justification”.

John Scullion, defending, added: “He understands the devastating impact and apologies for the continued pain that he has caused.”

Lord Burns deferred sentencing for reports.

Crossan will remain on a curfew meantime that results in him being at home between 7pm and 7am each day.