Man declared brain dead wakes up just before life support was to be switched off trends now
A man who was declared brain dead after being punched on a night out woke up just as his life support was about to be switched off.
James Howard-Jones, 28, remains severely mentally and physically handicapped and will need care for the rest of his life, Gloucester Crown Court heard on Tuesday.
His attacker, Ben Davies, 24, of Cheltenham admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent and was jailed for two years and four months.
James was punched by Davies on April 24 last year on a street in Cheltenham during a night out, the court was told.
James fell back and hit his head, suffering the life-changing injury which almost killed him.
James Howard-Jones, 28, was declared brain dead after being punched on a night out - but has woken up before his life support could be switched off
He was taken to hospital where he remained unconscious for several weeks, during which he underwent several emergency operations.
Judge Martin Picton told Davies: 'You've destroyed the life and hopes of Mr Howard-Jones - a young man in the prime of life with everything to live for.
'At the same time, you broke the hearts of his family and friends. The damage you have caused is devastating and lifelong for all those affected by your criminal act.'
While James' family were considering a request to harvest his organs for transplantation he regained consciousness, the prosecutor said. However his condition had left him physically and mentally disabled.
From being a fit and healthy young athlete capable of competing in a 100km race James had become someone who will require care for the rest of his life, prosecutor Jack Berry said.
'James is now permanently handicapped in virtually every aspect of his life,' he said.
'He has insight into his condition - he knows and can appreciate all that he has lost and is understandably subject to severe
