Mum’s fury as attacker who left son, 19, with horror injuries after one punch attack walks free from latest court rap
Billy Close suffered catastrophic head injuries from the unprovoked attack
A ONE-PUNCH attack survivor left fighting for his life in intensive care was "cheated" by the justice system, his mum has claimed.
RAF-hopeful Billy Close was celebrating his 19th birthday in Newcastle city centre when thug Jordan Cooper caused catastrophic injuries with an unprovoked attack.
Billy had to have two metal plates inserted into his head after he was knocked out cold from a single blow.
Today Mum Michaila has hit out after one of her son’s attackers was spared jail - despite breaking the law again.
The man who started the tragic chain of events, James Widdowson, has been back in court for obstructing a police officer in the execution of their duty.
But despite the fact he had been handed an eight-week suspended prison sentence for the attack on Billy, Widdowson once again avoided a spell behind bars.
Billy’s mum Michaila said: “It’s so frustrating, I was stunned when I heard what he had got, I cried my eyes out.
“I had to come home and tell Billy what the outcome was and he is absolutely devastated - and furious.
“We have had to go through this all again and Widdowson is still not in jail.
"It is absolutely ridiculous.”
Billy has no memory of the attack, which happened in the early hours of Sunday, February 28 this year.
But shocking CCTV footage revealed Widdowson was the one who made the first violent move.
He can be seen pushing Billy after approaching him at a taxi rank in Newcastle City Centre.
A man attempts to get Widdowson away from his victim, but fails.
Then suddenty, Cooper flies at Billy from the side and knocks him to the ground.
The victim can be seen lying out-cold close to passing cars as a crowd gathered around him and attempted to pull him up.
Meanwhile, Widdowson is seen walking calmly but quickly away from the scene.
Cooper, of Warwick Street, Blyth, admitted grievous bodily harm at Newcastle Crown Court.
The 22-year-old, who has a previous conviction for another violent city centre assault, was jailed for two-and-a-half years.
Widdowson, 20, admitted common assault.
For his latest offence, Widdowson appeared at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to obstructing a police officer in the execution of his duty and was handed a 12-month conditional discharge.
He was also made to pay a £20 victim surcharge and costs of £50.
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