Family of former Northampton boxer who suffered life-changing injuries after assault start petition for tougher sentences

Thomas Devine attacked popular boxing instructor John Cox when the 64-year-old went to complain about the noise from a flat near his Duston home, leaving him with a severe brain haemorrhage.

Mr Cox, found himself in a fight with Devine after complaining to his neighbour about loud music at 1.20am.

He was pinned to the floor before being ‘stamped, punched and kicked’ while out cold, which doctors say triggered his dementia.

Talking about the petition - titled ‘John’s Law’ - Mr Cox said: “If the system changed its sentencing and made it stiffer then perhaps this would set a precedent and send out a message that the UK is not a place to be messed with.

“Come on UK, enough is enough, let’s get this sentencing sorted out once and for all and save someone else going through this ordeal.”

After waiting almost three years for the trail to reach Northampton Crown Court, Mr Cox’s family said his health had deteriorated “so much” that he was “unable to give good evidence.”

Devine was handed a sentence of two years and nine months for causing grievous bodily harm to the former coach but Mr Cox’s family are calling for the justice system to rethink their sentencing for cases involving life-changing injuries.

John Cox’s partner, Wendy Guyett, who cares for John after the attack has said she is "calling for Parliament to look at the sentences handed out to life changing injuries" and "set a sentence that will let people know that the UK has had enough of this mindless crime which is now rife on the streets."

She fears that current sentences for grievous bodily harm are not deterrents to criminals and fears they could strike again.

She added: “Victims are feeling let down by the justice system.

“I hope this petition reaches Parliament as I would not like anyone else feeling as let down as I am with the justice system and I hope the UK gets behind this and says ‘enough is enough’.”

To sign the ‘John’s Law’ petition: gopetition.com/petitions/johns-law.html