THE TEENAGER who left Cleator Moor footballer Danny Hodgson fighting for his life has been jailed.
ABC News in Australia have reported that the 17-year-old boy has been sentenced to three years and eight months in juvenile detention for what a judge described as 'seven months of mayhem' that included violent assaults on other strangers.
During the sentencing, the Perth Children's Court heard that the teen was originally on bail and was subject to a 24-hour curfew when he punched Mr Hodgson without warning near a Perth train station, while on his way home from an end-of-season game in the early hours of September 5 last year.
The punch rendered Mr Hodgson unconscious, causing him to fall backwards and hit his head on the ground, causing a severe brain injury.
The court heard that the teenager was on bail, which he repeatedly breached, for 23 charges relating to 13 separate incidents in the seven months prior to the attack.
The attacker will have to serve 22 months behind bars before he can be considered for early release.
In a statement released prior to the sentencing, Danny's parents said: "We understand the judge in this case has the power to issue a maximum sentence of ten years' imprisonment for the horrendous crime against Danny.
"While ten years won’t come anywhere near the life sentence imposed on Danny, we believe his perpetrator must face the most serious consequences for the pain and suffering he has inflicted on an innocent young man.
"Tomorrow’s sentencing is an opportunity for WA’s judicial system to say enough is enough.
"It must loudly and clearly declare that coward punches must stop and demonstrate that the penalty for those who recklessly attack innocent people acknowledges the terrible, far-reaching impact these acts have on victims and their families.
"Danny continues to amaze us every day and we are in awe of his courage and determination.
"But make no mistake, his recovery is slow, painful and emotionally and physically exhausting.
"For every tiny bit of progress that bring us all tears of joy, there are struggles and setbacks that bring tears of sorrow."
READ MORE: Danny Hodgson continues rehab in Perth, Australia
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