Nephew not guilty of attempted murder

A MAN accused of repeatedly stamping on his uncle’s head, leaving him in a vegetative state, has been cleared of attempted murder.

Steven McMahon, 33, was found guilty of a reduced charge of assaulting Billy Johnston, 47, to his severe injury, permanent impairment and to the danger of his life following a three-day hearing at Livingston High Court.

The jury heard that McMahon was acting under provocation when he attacked Mr Johnston who, it was claimed, had threatened to kill his nephew, dump the body and murder the accused’s wife and children.

Mr Johnston is expected to die in care without recovering from the brain injuries suffered in the Calton Road attack on August 16, 2011. McMahon, of Restalrig Avenue, had sentence deferred for reports.