Mother in warning to revellers after son ‘nearly died’ in attack
THE MOTHER of a man who almost died three times when he was punched in the head from behind in an unprovoked attack is warning revellers to take care in the run-up to the New Year celebrations.
Kieran Lofthouse, 26, who is originally from Leeds, suffered a fractured skull which almost proved fatal while he was in the ambulance to hospital after rugby union player Matt Crosscombe punched him in an unprovoked attack.
The expertise of doctors saved Mr Lofthouse’s life following the attack which happened in Paignton in Devon in the early hours of July 8 last year.
However, it is not only the physical injuries, including permanent scarring, from the attack which have had a lasting effect on Mr Lofthouse.
Since the attack, he has suffered with post-traumatic stress
Saved by doctors’ expertise after the unprovoked assault in Paignton.
disorder (PTSD) and anxiety as well as depression.
Mr Lofthouse’s mother, Debbie Collins, who lives in Leeds, said: “He is going to be a victim for life.
“I am grieving for the son I had, because he is not the boy he once was. He is a shell of who he used to be.
“People need to be aware, especially at this time of year. One punch, if it doesn’t kill, will change lives forever. It has done with my family.”
Mr Lofthouse had been out with his girlfriend celebrating England’s 2-0 victory against Sweden in the football World Cup when he encountered Crosscombe, who had earlier been thrown out of a pub for being aggressive.
The former Plymouth Albion and Brixham winger, who was jailed for four years for the attack, first slapped and spat at Mr Lofthouse’s girlfriend, before punching his victim, knocking him to the ground.
Mrs Collins said: “The doctors said if he had been left an hour more he would have died.”
Mr Lofthouse spent several days in hospital as well as two weeks in a wheelchair and he now relies heavily on his family and friends.