Simon Dobbin, who appeared on BBC’s DIY SOS with Nick Knowles, died in 2020 – five years after suffering brain injuries in an attack following a Cambridge United match
Twelve men have been charged with manslaughter following the death of a father who was left brain-damaged after being attacked on his way home from a football match.
Simon Dobbin, who featured on the BBC programme DIY SOS, tragically passed away five years after the attack as he was leaving a match in Southend on 21 March 2015.
The Cambridge United fan had just watched his team’s goalless draw against Southend United when he was reportedly set upon while making his way to the train station.
Following the alleged incident, Simon was left unable to walk or talk and sadly died at his Mildenhall, Suffolk home aged 48 on 21 October 2020.
Essex Police have stated that medical examinations revealed a direct link between his death and the injuries he sustained.
Today, the Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute 12 men in connection with the death of Simon. Rebecca Mundy, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor, said: “We can confirm today that we have taken the decision to prosecute 12 men with manslaughter following the death of Simon Dobbin.
“Prosecutors in our Complex Casework Unit have worked closely with Essex Police to examine and review the material obtained from their investigations from both the incident itself and following the death of Mr Dobbin.
“We have established that there is sufficient evidence to charge 12 people with the offence of manslaughter and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that proceedings against the defendants are now active and that they have a right to a fair trial.
“It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings.”
The 12 men charged with manslaughter are:
- Greg Allen, (DOB: 03/04/88), of Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex.
- Ryan Carter, (DOB: 21/10/85), of HMP The Mount.
- Jamie Chambers, (DOB: 23/11/92), of Southend-on-Sea, Essex.
- Lewis Courtnell, (DOB:18/01/83), of Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.
- Philip McGill, (DOB: 26/02/85), of Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex.
- Scott Nicholls, (DOB: 03/07/76), of Basildon, Essex.
- Matthew Petchey, (DOB: 07/02/91), of Rochford, Essex.
- Rhys Pullen, (DOB: 13/05/96), of Maldon, Essex.
- Thomas Randall, (DOB: 08/10/94), of Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.
- Michael Shawyer, (DOB: 10/08/85), of Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.
- Alexander Woods, (DOB: 08/03/92), of Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex.
- James Woods, (DOB: 08/03/92), of Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex.
Simon appeared in an episode of the BBC’s home makeover show DIY SOS, where Nick Knowles and his team transformed the family’s house.
Upon hearing of Simon’s death, Nick expressed his sadness, saying: “Very sad news. His family put everything aside to care for him”.
A coroner’s hearing determined that Simon’s death resulted from complications “arising from hypoxic ischemic brain injury.” Essex area coroner Sean Horstead officially launched the inquest before pausing proceedings “at the request of Essex Constabulary.”
He confirmed the hearing would recommence following the conclusion of any “contemplated criminal proceedings.”
Back in January 2019, Nick Knowles alongside the DIY SOS crew and hundreds of volunteers rallied together to redesign the Dobbins’ property to accommodate Simon’s requirements and support Nicole, who had taken on the role of his round-the-clock carer.
The programme left viewers across the nation in floods of tears when it was broadcast on the BBC.
Following the alleged attack, Nicole said: “On March 21, 2015, my life was turned upside down.
“My husband Simon travelled to Southend to watch the football, a day he had so been looking forward to. I told him to enjoy the day but this was the last time I would see the husband I married.
“A fun-loving family man, he was always looking out for us. While working a night shift I was visited by two police officers who told me Simon was on life support at Southend Hospital.
“I had to return home to wake our 16-year-old daughter and tell her what happened. This was the hardest thing of all.”