One-punch victim who was in a coma for three years to have first Christmas at home with the family since the attack

For three years Stephen Willey lay in a coma after a senseless unprovoked one-punch attack.

It was on December 23 2015 when he was floored in the assault in Newcastle and his family waited by his bedside until January 2019 for him to wake up.

It means he’s missed the past four Christmases as his loving family prayed and hoped. This year will be extra special as he’ll be sitting at the festive table for the first time since the near fatal punch took place.

Stephen will be able to sit at the dinner table with his family for the first time since the attack in 2015 Credit: NCJ Media

Stephen's parents, Linda and David, doting wife Paula, brothers Neil and Chris, and his sister-in-laws Andrea and Kathryn are delighted that he is progressing slowly by surely.

Paula, Stephen and David Credit: NCJ Media

The family's nightmare happened when Stephen went into Newcastle two days before Christmas 2015 to meet his wife Paula. She had been out for her work Christmas meal.

The couple, from Washington, were standing at a bus stop on New Bridge Street just after 8pm when they had the misfortune of crossing paths with Nicholas Graham, who was angry following a row with his ex.

Graham, described by one witness as like a "raging bull", barged into Stephen for no reason, then swung a ferocious punch which knocked him to the ground, fracturing his skull and causing serious brain injuries.

Nissan worker Stephen, 49, lay in a coma for three years and is now working hard to learn how to talk and hopefully eventually walk again.

Following the attack, Stephen was taken to hospital, where he had emergency surgery. He has since spent his time in Walkergate Park Centre For Neurorehabilitation and Neuropsychiatry in Newcastle and Northview Lodge in Castletown, Sunderland.

At Newcastle Crown Court in May 2016, as Graham was jailed, Paula told of the devastating consequences of the attack in a statement read to the court.

She said they were waiting for their bus when they became aware of Graham.

Stephen before the attack Credit: NCJ Media

30-year-old maintenance engineer Nicholas Graham, of Red House Farm, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm and breaching the restraining order to stay away from the former girlfriend.

He was also in breach of previously imposed community orders.

He was jailed for three-and-a-half years.

But Stephen's family say he has been handed a tougher sentence. He has missed 3 years of his life and must now re-learn how to do day-to-day tasks.

30-year-old maintenance engineer Nicholas Graham, of Red House Farm, Newcastle Credit: NCJ Media
Stephen was a keen cyclist before the attack Credit: NCJ Media

Stephen, was a keen cyclist and would ride around five times a week, regularly doing 100 miles on a Sunday.

He now needs 24-hour care and has a cycling machine that he uses as he tries to rebuild his strength.

Stephen and his wife were childhood sweethearts and have been together for 31 years, married for 6.

Paula and Stephen before the attack Credit: NCJ Media
Paula has thanked all the staff who have helped to care for Stephen since the attack Credit: NCJ Media

Paula is wanting to raise awareness about the dangers a one punch attack can do.