One-punch survivor Danny Hodgson in legal hurdle as State Solicitor’s Office tries to stop compensation bid

One-punch attack survivor Danny Hodgson has been dealt yet another blow, with revelations the State Solicitor’s Office is attempting to “strike out” legal action launched by him as he fights for compensation. The Perth soccer star was left fighting for life in September 2021 with brain injuries after an unprovoked one-punch attack near Perth Train Station. Against the odds, he walked out of hospital in March last year and on the same day his teenage attacker — who was on bail at the time — was sentenced to three years jail. But since leaving hospital he has experienced numerous setbacks, having suffered several seizures at home which have required him to be rushed back to hospital. Now Mr Hodgson is facing an uphill legal battle against the State Solicitor’s Office. On Wednesday, Mr Hodgson confirmed he was suing the State for negligence in relation to his attacker, who was out on bail at the time of the incident. Lawyers representing Mr Hodgson and his family believe the fact that the offender was bailed multiple times, despite a string of serious offences, made the crime against him predictable and preventable. Mr Hodgson said the State Solicitor’s attempt to strike out the writ he has lodged is an attempt to deny justice and accountability. “This legal action isn’t just about my own personal situation even though I am facing a life sentence with no prospect of every working again or realising any of my dreams,” Mr Hodgson said. “I don’t want anyone else to have to endure what I am going through, and I am determined to hold the State accountable and fight for change.” Mr Hodgson says he will challenge the action by the State Solicitor’s Office. The West Australian has contacted the State Solicitor’s Office for comment. Since his attack, Mr Hodgson has undergone six surgeries, has spent months in hospital and has endured ongoing physio and rehabilitation procedures. His partner Jess has become his full-time carer, and his father Peter has relocated to Perth from the UK to care for his son. Peter was finally granted a visa to stay in Australia permanently, after The West highlighted the fact he was on the verge of being deported back to the UK. On Wednesday, Premier Roger Cook said while he was unaware of the State Solicitor’s office’s actions, he would speak with the agency to get an understanding of what it was trying to achieve. “We’ve worked closely with Danny’s family in the past to try to support them, and we’ll continue to do so,” he said. “The State Solicitor is there to do a single job, and that is to support the legal position of the State Government. “It’s the Government’s role to work with stakeholders to understand what they’re trying to achieve through that legal action, and perhaps achieving outcomes through alternative means.”