Family of one-punch attack victim fear £500k compensation could run out
Family of one-punch attack victim fear £500k compensation could run out
Craig Lewis-Williams, a 50-year-old from Llay, Wrexham, now requires a feeding tube and has daily care from six attendants following a single punch that left him paralyzed and with brain damage. The incident occurred in November 2021, but the lifelong care he needs has already strained the compensation he received. Despite being awarded the highest possible sum—£500,000—this figure, established in 1996, has not kept pace with inflation. Campaigners argue that the amount should be adjusted to reflect today’s costs, which would likely double it to over £1,015,000.
The compensation, set by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) three decades ago, is meant to support victims of severe life-changing crimes. However, Craig’s family fears it will not last, as his wife Anna explains: “You can’t go out and buy a car for £500, or £1,000, whereas we’ve got to get everything adapted.” With Craig expected to live another 25 to 30 years, the current rate fails to cover ongoing needs, including replacing essential equipment like wheelchairs and vehicles.
“The 30th anniversary of the introduction of the maximum award of £500,000 for the most seriously injured innocent victims of crime should serve as a wake-up call to the government that this is no longer acceptable,” said Neil Sugarman, a legal expert who has worked on criminal injuries. He emphasized that survivors must manage with the same amount for life, despite the rising cost of living.
Craig’s injury stemmed from a violent attack during a walk home. Adam Chamberlin, his assailant, admitted causing grievous harm and received a one-year-and-four-month prison sentence in 2022. The assault left Craig unable to walk or swallow, with memory issues and later a stroke that added paralysis to his left side. His condition has permanently altered his daily life, relying on care and specialized equipment.
“While having a cap on compensation for survivors of crime is not perfect, at the very least it should be recognised that the amount established when the cap was set in 1996 will not go as far in today’s money,” added Kim Harrison, a former president of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (Apil).
Other families share similar concerns. Nichola, from north-west England, worries about her adopted teenage daughter Lou, who has learning challenges due to brain damage caused by her biological mother’s drug use during pregnancy and after birth. Though Lou thrives in a mainstream school, her mental processing difficulties and behavioral issues make long-term employment uncertain, highlighting the broader need for updated support systems.