Man found guilty of killing Aberdeen dad in pub argument
Steven Johnston died after he was attacked by Derek Pearson
Last updated 3rd Mar 2025
A 47-year-old man has been found guilty of a one-punch killing outside an Aberdeen pub.
Derek Pearson had claimed self defence but he’s been convicted of the culpable homicide of 50-year-old Steven Johnston at the High Court in Aberdeen on today on a majority verdict.
He has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on April 3.
Steven - a father of seven - was seriously assaulted in Carmelite Lane on March 12, 2023. 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 was also convicted of assaulting his partner at the time.
Detective Chief Inspector Jamie Sherlock said: “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.
“Thankfully crimes like these are rare in our communities. When such incidents occur we will use all resources necessary to carry out a rigorous investigation and ensure we track down those responsible and bring them to justice as soon as possible.”