Man to stand trial accused of killing dad-of-seven in Aberdeen city centre

A 46-year-old man is to stand trial charged with killing a father-of-seven in an Aberdeen city centre lane.

Derek Pearson allegedly attacked Steven Johnson, 50, on Carmelite Lane on March 12 2023.

The culpable homicide charge claims Pearson struggled with Mr Johnson and then repeatedly punched him causing him to fall.

Mr Johnson is said to have struck his head off the road and a parked car.

Prosecutors said he ended up unconscious and was left so severely injured that he passed away to days later at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

Pearson is also facing other charges, including allegedly assaulting a woman on the same date and place.

Lawyers for Pearson pleaded not guilty on his behalf during a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday 8 May.

A trial was fixed and is scheduled to begin in February 2025.

Pearson, also of Aberdeen, remains on bail meantime.

Tributes from family

At the time, a statement from Mr Johnson's family described him as "one of a kind".

It read: "He had so much to live for and so many more memories to make with us all. one-of-a-kind and our hearts are broken, there are no words.

"He’s been taken from his five sons, two daughters and four grandchildren and our lives will never be the same again.

“All his family would like to thank everyone for their support, kind words and comments. We’d appreciate being left to grieve and try to come to terms with this nightmare.”