MP launches one punch campaign on anniversary of dad’s tragic death in Sheffield pub

Dehenna Davison was 13 years old when her dad, Dominic, was punched in The Bassett pub, Foxhill, in 2007.

Sheffield-born Dehenna, now a Bishop Auckland MP for the Conservatives, spoke out on the issue on the 14th anniversary of the death.

Her dad, from Parson Cross, was just 35 when he lost his life.

Writing in the Northern Echo, Dehenna said the punch which killed her father hit him in exactly the wrong spot, causing an artery to burst, and he died almost instantly.

A man charged with manslaughter was found not guilty after a trial.

Dehenna said: “Alongside trying to process the grief and shock of losing dad so suddenly, there was also the pressure and uncertainty of the court case, which took 10 months to complete, and ultimately left us with a burning sense of injustice.”

She said she was surprised to discover how many other families have been similarly affected by one-punch attacks and said there was a shared feeling that sentencing was too lenient.

Through her role as a politician, she has set up the All Party Parliamentary Group for One-Punch Assaults.

Its key role will be to seek a formal inquiry into sentencing and to compile a report with proposals to make sure the courts ‘provide a fairer sense of justice’.

It will also look at educating people about the true impact of violence.

LATEST: Police release picture of man linked to over £1m worth of cannabis plants in Sheffield and Doncaster

CRIME: Police appeal for information after Sheffield pizza takeaway was damaged

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.