Father-of-three who was left severely disabled by football thugs dies
A father-of-three left severely disabled after being assaulted by a gang of football hooligans died at home today more than five years after the unprovoked attack.
Simon Dobbin, 48, was beaten and 'kicked like a football' after going to watch Cambridge United play at Southend United in Essex in a brutal 90-second assault.
The football fan from Mildenhall, Suffolk, who served in the Royal Air Force, suffered permanent brain damage and was left severely disabled by the attack in March 2015.
Mr Dobbin's ordeal touched the nation when his house was transformed by a team led by Nick Knowles on the BBC programme DIY SOS: The Big Build in January 2019.
The episode saw an army of volunteers help to turn his home into one more suitable for his needs, after he was left requiring round-the-clock care following the assault.
Today, his widow Nicole, 48, said he had been 'his usual self, laughing and smiling the day before', adding that his death was a shock to her and their daughter Emily.
She told : 'Today I lost my gentle giant, words cannot express the loss I'm feeling.
'I'm thankful for the fantastic memories I have, he fought so very hard to be with his family.
'Sadly his heart wasn't strong enough, but he is now at peace and will be forever in my heart.'
Essex Police said they will now 'review' their initial investigation as discussions are held over whether any further charges need to be brought against the attackers.
Twelve men were jailed in 2017 but have all since been released from prison.
Cambridge United fan Simon Dobbin, pictured with his wife Nicole. He died today aged 48
Mr Dobbin is pictured (centre) with Cambridge fans at Southend United's Roots Hall in 2015
Mr Dobbin is pictured in hospital on DIY SOS in January 2019 after he was left brain damaged
Mr Dobbin's home was transformed by a team from DIY SOS, who provided him with his own bedroom for the first time in three years. Above: The back garden before the transformation
After: As part of the transformation led by Nick Knowles, large glass doors were added to the property and the garden was modernised so the family could get out and enjoy the space
Essex Police Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Jennings said today: 'Our thoughts go to Simon's family and friends at this very difficult time. We will review the initial investigation to establish whether we need to take any further action.'
In July 2017, Basildon Crown Court convicted 13 men over the attack. Nine men were found guilty of violent disorder, three of conspiracy to commit violent disorder and one of assisting an offender.
RIP Simon
You must log in or register to see images
A father-of-three left severely disabled after being assaulted by a gang of football hooligans died at home today more than five years after the unprovoked attack.
Simon Dobbin, 48, was beaten and 'kicked like a football' after going to watch Cambridge United play at Southend United in Essex in a brutal 90-second assault.
The football fan from Mildenhall, Suffolk, who served in the Royal Air Force, suffered permanent brain damage and was left severely disabled by the attack in March 2015.
Mr Dobbin's ordeal touched the nation when his house was transformed by a team led by Nick Knowles on the BBC programme DIY SOS: The Big Build in January 2019.
The episode saw an army of volunteers help to turn his home into one more suitable for his needs, after he was left requiring round-the-clock care following the assault.
Today, his widow Nicole, 48, said he had been 'his usual self, laughing and smiling the day before', adding that his death was a shock to her and their daughter Emily.
She told : 'Today I lost my gentle giant, words cannot express the loss I'm feeling.
'I'm thankful for the fantastic memories I have, he fought so very hard to be with his family.
'Sadly his heart wasn't strong enough, but he is now at peace and will be forever in my heart.'
Essex Police said they will now 'review' their initial investigation as discussions are held over whether any further charges need to be brought against the attackers.
Twelve men were jailed in 2017 but have all since been released from prison.
You must log in or register to see images
Cambridge United fan Simon Dobbin, pictured with his wife Nicole. He died today aged 48
You must log in or register to see images
Mr Dobbin is pictured (centre) with Cambridge fans at Southend United's Roots Hall in 2015
You must log in or register to see images
Mr Dobbin is pictured in hospital on DIY SOS in January 2019 after he was left brain damaged
You must log in or register to see images
Mr Dobbin's home was transformed by a team from DIY SOS, who provided him with his own bedroom for the first time in three years. Above: The back garden before the transformation
You must log in or register to see images
After: As part of the transformation led by Nick Knowles, large glass doors were added to the property and the garden was modernised so the family could get out and enjoy the space
Essex Police Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Jennings said today: 'Our thoughts go to Simon's family and friends at this very difficult time. We will review the initial investigation to establish whether we need to take any further action.'
In July 2017, Basildon Crown Court convicted 13 men over the attack. Nine men were found guilty of violent disorder, three of conspiracy to commit violent disorder and one of assisting an offender.
RIP Simon
