Justice for Josh Morgan: Thousands sign petition to increase sentences for attackers who left barman fighting for life
More than 2,500 people have signed a petition calling for the 'unacceptable' sentences handed to two men who left a barman fighting for his life following a vicious attack to be lengthened.
James Robb and Alistair Douglas, both keen amateur boxers, were found guilty last week of inflicting grievous bodily harm on Joshua Morgan in March 2014.
The 20-year-old victim was punched twice by Robb with such force that he did not have a chance to break his fall. He was left unconscious on the ground with a fractured skull. Mr
One online petitioner described the length of their terms as 'disgusting'.
After the attack on March 9 last year, Mr Morgan was in a coma, and months later could communicate only by eye movements. He is now limited to moving his head and forearms and can attempt to pronounce only single words.
Douglas did not strike the victim, but accepted he was there to assist Robb. Robb, aged 23, of Langdale Green, Cannock, was jailed for three years and Douglas, 26, of Longford Road, also Cannock, got two years and three months. However, given the time they have already served on remand, they could be out in months.
Sentencing them on Friday, Judge Gosling said: "They behaved in a drunken and loutish way. Joshua, I am sure, did nothing to provoke either of them. He was known to be mild mannered and gentle young man."
Anger at sentencing grows as thousands call for justice
He described his prognosis as 'desperately poor', being entirely dependent on round-the-clock care, unable to speak or eat with extremely restricted movement, and 'lives in fear of complications and infections'. When they were seen dragging Mr Morgan, Robb lied to a woman passing by, saying he had come across the victim, and repeated his lies to paramedics, changing his story to self defence after his arrest.
The assault happened after Mr Morgan had finished his shift at the Shoal Hill Tavern and had gone out with friends.
The petition states: "Josh has been left with life-changing injuries which will permanently affect him every day of his life.
"The sentences should reflect the impact that this attack has had on Josh and his family. Due to time already served Robb could be released in nine months and Douglas in only two months.
"It is simply not acceptable and the court needs to reconsider."
