In September 2015, Simon Hackett was walking home from a pub when a random stranger, Jordan Docherty, punched him, causing severe brain damage.
The blow led to Simon being left unconscious on the ground, a victim of violence that would change his life—and his family’s—forever.
The attack left Simon unable to speak, walk, or even care for himself, and he spent the next seven years living in hospitals and nursing homes.
Though Simon fought bravely, battling complications from his injuries, his quality of life was forever altered by the single punch from Docherty.
In 2016, Docherty was sentenced to four years in a youth detention center for grievous bodily harm but served just 18 months of his sentence.
However, after Simon’s tragic death in 2022, Docherty was charged with manslaughter, and recently, he received an additional 15-month prison sentence.
Simon’s sister, Alicia Manners, expressed her outrage, calling the 15-month sentence “unjust” compared to the seven years of suffering her brother endured.
Alicia described the agonizing moment she first saw Simon after the attack, noting how unrecognizable he was with tubes and a tracheotomy after the brutal punch.
Despite being given a 95% chance of survival, Simon never regained his independence; he lost the ability to talk, walk, or perform basic functions.
Alicia reflected on the hardship her family faced, not just with Simon’s death, but with watching him suffer for years without justice being properly served.
“The attack stole Simon’s life,” Alicia said, “and watching him suffer for years was the worst part. Justice has not been done for him or for us.”
The sentence of only 18 months for the man who ruined Simon’s life left the family feeling that justice had not been adequately served.
Alicia, who was incredibly close to her brother, has since dedicated her time to visiting schools and raising awareness about the effects of violence.
In her speeches, she stresses the importance of understanding how a single violent act can devastate an entire family and encourage young people to think before acting.
The family remembers Simon as a kind and loving man, full of life, who had a deep love for his daughter, his niece, and his nephew, whom he adored.
Despite the overwhelming pain of Simon’s death, Alicia is determined to ensure his story helps others, hoping to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
Simon’s death not only ended his life but also altered the lives of everyone who loved him, especially his parents and his siblings.
Through this tragic experience, Alicia has found strength in sharing her story, and it has become her mission to bring attention to the lasting consequences of violence.
She believes that by educating others, she can help prevent more innocent lives from being destroyed by senseless acts of violence.
The loss of Simon was devastating, but Alicia’s commitment to making a difference in his memory provides some solace to a family that will never be the same.
Alicia’s grief over losing her brother is compounded by the feeling that the justice system has failed to properly punish the man responsible for his suffering.
“I will never forget Simon,” Alicia says. “He was my protector, my confidant, and my friend. No one will ever take his place.”
Her advocacy for justice and change remains a key part of her healing process, allowing her to find purpose in her brother’s untimely death.
Simon may have lost his life at the hands of a stranger, but his story has sparked change, and Alicia is determined to ensure his legacy lives on.
Her efforts to raise awareness about the impact of violence on families continue to reach thousands of young people, making a profound difference in the fight against senseless aggression.
The system may have failed to serve Simon the justice he deserved, but Alicia’s voice will ensure his story is never forgotten.
Through her grief, Alicia has emerged as a strong advocate for change, carrying on Simon’s memory with pride and determination to make the world a better place.
Despite the overwhelming sense of loss, Alicia and her family find comfort in knowing that Simon’s legacy will live on through the work she continues to do.
She hopes that by speaking out, she can help prevent future tragedies and give families the support they need when they face similar pain.
Simon’s life was stolen by a single punch, but the impact of his story will be felt for generations to come.
His family will always remember him for the love and joy he brought into their lives, even if his life was taken away too soon.
As Alicia continues to share Simon’s story, she remains determined to see justice served, not just for her brother but for all victims of violence.
Her unwavering dedication to raising awareness and preventing violence continues to inspire others, ensuring that Simon’s memory will never fade.
Justice may have been delayed, but it will never be forgotten, and the story of Simon Hackett will live on as a testament to the strength of his family.
