A man has been cleared of killing a 47-year-old dad-of-three after a confrontation in a Perth street.
James Williamson (32), from Perth, was accused of the culpable homicide of Graham Hughes at Uist Place, Perth, on November 4, 2019.
The High Court in Glasgow heard the two men exchanged blows after Mr Hughes challenged Mr Williamson because he thought he was tampering with his van.
In evidence Mr Williamson told the jury that Mr Hughes struck the first blow and he was acting in self defence.
Mr Hughes later collapsed and died at his nearby home from a heart attack.
The case against Mr Williamson was found not proven by the jury.
Mr Williamson told the court: “It was atrocious weather and I was standing between a BMW and a van trying to light a cigarette.”
He denied that he was nudging into vehicles and added: “I was pulled from behind by my hood and a guy said: ‘Here you’.
“I tried to pull away and I couldn’t. So I grabbed his t-shirt.”
Defence QC Ronnie Renucci said: “Was this man Graham Hughes,” and Mr Williamson replied: “Yes,” and added: “He punched me and burst my nose.
“I told him: ‘Don’t punch me,’ and I also said: ‘Let go of my hood’.”
Mr Williamson was asked what happened next and replied: “It was all so fast. I punched him back, I thought I was being attacked. I was defending myself.
“He thought I was doing something to his van, but he never gave me a chance or minute to explain.”
Mr Renucci asked: “Did you think Mr Hughes had been injured,” and Mr Williamson replied: “No”
The QC then said: “Did you learn at some point he had died,” and Mr Williamson said: “Yes, I was devastated that he had died.”
