Son admits killing dad after row at home

A son has admitted killing his father after a row.

Liam Deans, 34, assaulted William Deans at their home in Glasgow’s Barmulloch on February 5, 2022.

Deans kicked the 57-year-old twice, causing him to fall over.

William – who had a history of serious heart issues – collapsed hours later and never recovered.

Deans had been due to stand trial over the death.

But, via his KC John Scullion, he instead pleaded guilty to culpable homicide charge at the High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday.

He will be sentenced next month.

Deans had been living with his parents, William and Esther, at the time.

He was said to have had a “good relationship” with his dad, but that there could be “a clash of personalities”.

Deans’ mother had come home that night and could hear him talking loudly while on his computer.

She believed he may have been drinking and asked him to be quiet.

Prosecutor Scott McKenzie said: “She did not want William Deans to become agitated due to the impact it could have on his health.”

Deans came downstairs insisting he had been sleeping for hours.

His dad then got involved after hearing his son banging on a door.

Esther became aware of a “scuffle” before William came into the kitchen followed by their topless son.

“Liam Deans kicked his father on the lower back causing him to fall over,” the prosecutor said.

“William stood up and he was kicked again on the same area resulting in him falling over a second time.”

Esther grabbed her son away as William ordered him out of the house.

Esther – described as “upset and scared” – contacted police.

Deans was initially arrested for assault and threatening behaviour.

William, meantime, complained of chest pains – he initially took aspirin and used his inhaler.

At around 1am, Esther dialled 999 and called for an ambulance. William collapsed before it arrived.

Paramedics turned up and carried out CPR for 30 minutes, but William did not survive.

A detective later told Deans his dad had died.

He was said to be “in shock” and “clearly upset”.

“He freely stated to officers that his dad had a bad heart condition and had suffered a heart attack five to six years ago,” the prosecutor told the court.

“He had shown no sign that he thought the events involving him and his dad were in any way connected to his death.”

A post-mortem concluded that the “significant” cardiac disease William had could have resulted in him collapsing or dying at any time due to the issues.

However, a pathologist stated that it was “well recognised” that even a verbal altercation could spark a rise in blood pressure and heart rate, increasing the chance of a cardiac arrest.

Defence advocate Mr Scullion described what happened as a “tragic case” and that Deans had members of his family in court to support him.

Deans had been on bail but remanded in custody as judge Fiona Tait adjourned sentencing for reports.