Dad of Scarborough one punch victim calls for a change in the law
Michael Kelly's son lost half his skull in the attack two years ago
The dad of a Scarborough man who lost half his skull by a one punch attack is calling for a change in the law.
Two years ago, 43 year-old Jamie Kelly was assaulted on Ramshill Road in the town.
His dad Michael said: "Jamie's got a life sentence and the lad went to court and got 29 months. They accepted a lesser charge and they felt more sorry for that lad than they did for my son. He only served half of that. He was out before last Christmas.
"It's unbelievable what we've went through as parents for one punch. He was just standing there having a cigarette and this lad hit him from behind, he fell on the floor and cracked his skull. But unless the sentence fits the crime people won't take any notice and think about hitting someone. It's absolutely disgraceful.
"Violence is a terrible thing. My life has just revolved around our Jamie ever since it happened. I'm there every day and I'm over the moon that I'm there every day. I was over the moon that I was allowed to visit him from day one. I still feel awful about Brenda his mum not being able to visit.
"All of this is a consequence of one punch, what this lad had done. As far as I'm concerned, he's got away scot-free. He's served 14 months and he was out before Christmas. It's just not good enough. There definitely needs to be a change in the law unless people are made aware that if you go and hit someone, you need to suffer the consequence of what you've done."
You can read how his mum, Brenda, felt too here.
'Punched Out Cold' campaign
North Yorkshire Police is currently working with the One Punch UK charity to help prevent tragic deaths and life-changing injuries caused by punches or a headbutt in this tragic case.
The campaign initially targeted men aged 18 to 35 at pubs, bars, gyms and sports clubs over the summer holidays, and it will be repeated during the festive period.
This week, coinciding with ‘One Punch Awareness Week’, there will be a focus on secondary school children.
You can read more about it on the North Yorkshire Police website.
Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Sygrove, from North Yorkshire Police’s Major Investigation Team, said:
“We are proud that North Yorkshire Police is supporting the ‘Punched Out Cold’ campaign which highlights just how dangerous one punch or a violent act such as a headbutt can be.
“That in a split second someone can become a killer, and someone can be killed or suffer life-changing injuries.
“If you are faced with a potentially violent confrontation, we wholeheartedly echo the One Punch UK advice to 'stop, think and walk away'.
“By not acting in anger and lashing out, it could well be the best decision you have ever made - for everyone concerned.
“Please remember, just one punch or violent act can destroy so many lives. Including your own.”