Not proven verdict after dad’ s death after fracas

A Perthman has walked free from court after he was cleared of killing a father-of-three. James Williamson was accused of culpable homicide after the sudden death of Graham Hughes, 47, at his home in the city’s Uist Place.

The High Court in Glasgow heard the two men exchanged blows in the street after Mr Hughes confronted Mr Williamson because he thought he was tampering with his van.

Mr Williamson, 32, told jurors that Mr Hughes struck the first blow and he was acting in self defence.

Mr Hughes, who worked as a joiner, returned to his property where he collapsed and died from a heart attack.

The case against Mr Williamson was found not proven.

He told the court that he and Mr Hughes had been involved in a fracas, shortly before Mr Hughes’ death on November 4, 2019.

“It was atrocious weather and I was standing between a BMW and a van trying to light a cigarette,” he told jurors.

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 he replied: “Yes,” and added: “He punched me and burst my nose.

“I told him: ‘Don’t punch me,’ and I also said: ‘Let go my hood.’”

Asked what happened next, Mr Williamson 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 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.”

Mr Williamson was charged with culpable homicide days after Mr Hughes’ body was discovered.

His home was guarded by police for several days, while forensic teams worked inside.

Friends and relatives left bouquets of flowers in his garden, while others paid tribute on social media.

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

A neighbour told us at the time: “Graham was always such a friendly guy, a true gentleman.”

A death certificate later revealed that Mr Hughes had died of heart disease and an enlarged heart (‘atherosclerotic coronary artery disease with cardiomegaly’).

FRIENDLY: Graham Hughes, 47, was described by friends as “a true gentleman”. Flowers were laid outside his house in tribute after his death.

Forensic teams at work on the site.