Man accused of causing death by punching

COURT: Joiner allegedly suffered fatal heart attack due to violent assault in Perth

Prosecutors claim a Perth man suffered a fatal heart attack after being repeatedly punched.

James Williamson is alleged to have killed Graham Hughes in Perth’s Uist Place on November 4.

Appearing by video link at Perth Sheriff Court yesterday, the 31-year-old was committed for trial.

Williamson, of Mull Place, Perth, faces an allegation of assaulting Mr Hughes by repeatedly punching him on the head and body. It is said, as a consequence, Mr Hughes suffered a heart attack within an address on the same street, and Williamson was responsible for the death.

The 31-year-old faces a further charge of assaulting an employee at a Perth takeaway.

He is said to have spat on Ali Canavci at the Istanbul takeaway on Perth’s Argyll Road, before repeatedly punching him on the head and body on the night of Mr Hughes’ death.

A third charge alleges Williamson behaved in a threatening and abusive manner at the takeaway on the same date by shouting, swearing and repeatedly demanding money from staff.

He is also said to have uttered racist remarks and threats of violence.

On the same date at Perth police station and the A&E department of Perth Royal Infirmary, Williamson is accused of behaving in a threatening and abusive manner by repeatedly shouting, swearing, acting aggressively and uttering threats of violence. Williams was remanded pending trial. Neighbours said they were left shaken by Mr Hughes’ death.

One local man said: “I just can’t believe this has happened. Graeme was always such a friendly guy, a true gentleman.

“I know that his family are absolutely heartbroken.”

Friends and relatives laid bouquets in the front garden of Mr Hughes’ home.

Messages of condolence were also posted on social media.

One woman, who described Mr Hughes as a “brilliant friend”, wrote: “So heartbreaking. So many of us robbed of a wonderful friend and relative.

“Three beautiful children left without a dad. God love you and keep you Graeme, you have taken a little bit of a lot of lives with you.”

It is understood Mr Hughes worked as a joiner.