Son jailed for five years for killing his father who died of a heart attack following argument at home

A son who admitted killing his father after a row has been jailed for five years.

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

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

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

Deans was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow, having earlier pleaded guilty to the culpable homicide of his dad.

The hearing was told he continues to have the support of relatives.

Deans had been living with his parents at the time.

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

Deans’s mum 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: “She did not want William Deans to become agitated due to the impact it could have on his health.”

Deans came storming downstairs, insisting he had been sleeping for hours.

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

The woman became aware of a “scuffle” before William came into the kitchen, followed by their son.

Mr McKenzie said: “Liam Deans kicked his father on the lower back, causing him to fall over.

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

Deans’ mum pulled him away as William ordered his son out of the house.

The mum – described as “upset and scared” – contacted police.

Deans was initially arrested for assault and threatening behaviour.

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

Around 1am, the woman dialled 999 and called for an ambulance but 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 passed away.

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

Mr McKenzie said: “He freely stated to officers that his dad had a bad heart condition and had suffered a heart attack five to six years ago.

“He had showed 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.

John Scullion KC, defending, said: “He has displayed genuine remorse which is profound.

“He recognises the lasting and irreversible impact on his family.”

Sentencing, Judge Fiona Tait said Deans appeared to be “appropriately humbled by continued support” shown by his mum and brother.

She added: “This is extremely generous given their own loss of a husband and a father.

“I have carefully considered the victim impact statement from your mother.

“I appreciate that she does not want to lose you to custody having lost her husband.”

But, the judge said prison was the only option in such a case which Deans himself had accepted.

There were several cries of “love you, Liam” from family as Deans was lead handcuffed to the cells.