Killer Jailed 7 Years After Brutal Attack

In a case spanning over seven years, Jordan Docherty has been sentenced to 15 months imprisonment for the manslaughter of Simon Hackett. The incident occurred in September 2015 when Docherty, then 20, delivered a single punch outside a working men's club in Bradford. This blow caused Mr Hackett, 42, to fall and sustain catastrophic brain injuries, rendering him unable to walk or care for himself.

Docherty had already served 45 months for admitting grievous bodily harm. He later assaulted another man in 2021, leaving him in a coma with life-changing injuries. Mr Hackett's condition deteriorated over the years, and he passed away in April 2022 from complications linked to the severe head injuries sustained in 2015.

During sentencing, the judge acknowledged Docherty's immaturity at the time of the attack and the significant time already served. However, the devastating impact on Mr Hackett's family over seven years, witnessing his decline, was also profoundly considered. The court stressed that no sentence could adequately compensate for their profound loss and the destruction of their lives.

The victim's sister described Docherty as a 'coward' and spoke of the unbearable pain of watching her brother fade. Mr Hackett's partner detailed the immense emotional struggle and the impact on their young daughter. Docherty's history includes previous convictions for football-related violence, highlighting a pattern of aggressive behavior.