Danny Hodgson deserves an ex-gratia payment, Liberal leader Libby Mettam says, calling on the Cook Government to “show some heart” and award him compensation.
A day after it was revealed the State Solicitor’s Office is attempting to “strike out” Mr Hodgson’s compensation bid, Ms Mettam launched a significant attack on Labor, blaming the Government’s “pathetic bail laws” for the attack on Mr Hodgson.
In September 2021, the Perth soccer star was left fighting for life with brain injuries after an unprovoked one-punch attack near Perth Train Station.
Lawyers for Mr Hodgson believe the crime against him was predictable and preventable as the offender had been bailed multiple times, despite a string of serious offences.
“Roger Cook needs to illustrate some compassion and support Danny Hodgson in his case for compensation. It is Roger Cook’s pathetic bail laws that have put Danny Hodgson in the position that he is now in,” Ms Mettam said.
“Roger Cook needs to show some heart and provide Danny Hodgson with the compensation that he deserves.”
Mr Cook said on Thursday there were arguments over “very technical legal matters” that did not go to the heart of the Government’s prior commitment to do the right thing by the Hodgson family
![Pictured is WA Liberal Leader Libby Mettam with Shadow Treasurer, Neil Thomsom MLC, at Royal Perth Hospital commenting on WA’s worst month for ramping in two years, the Danny Hodgson case, and the Albermarle closure.](https://timesofsydney.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2a1f14b032d2bd17ef21b727415dc2d1c60a69f0.jpg)
“We want to do everything we can to support Danny and his family. He was the subject of a senseless, horrible act of random violence and I think everyone in the community understands that we should all be doing everything we can to help Danny and his family,” Mr Cook said.
“The matters before the court at the moment don’t go to the heart of the issue in relation to settling the outcomes that Danny and his family are looking for. They go primarily to the issue of process in legal matters.”
![One-punch survivor Danny Hodgson in legal hurdle as State Solicitor’s Office tries to stop compensation bid.](https://timesofsydney.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/d3ab5112077f7f259a74fe4169aa91392d24e55c.jpg)
On Wednesday, Mr Hodgson said the State Solicitor’s attempt to strike out the writ he has lodged is an attempt to deny justice and accountability.
“This legal action isn’t just about my own personal situation even though I am facing a life sentence with no prospect of ever working again or realising any of my dreams,” Mr Hodgson said.
“I don’t want anyone else to have to endure what I am going through, and I am determined to hold the State accountable and fight for change.”