Much-loved grandad Michael Dawson had spent a joyous evening with his friend at the pub. Introducing himself as ‘Curly’, poking fun at himself and his lack of hair, he had strolled into the pub on a summer’s evening where he spent the night with his friend, Big Tony, enjoying a couple of pints and singing on the karaoke. As he left the Bury town centre establishment he wished the staff ‘good night’, adding: “I had a wonderful night tonight”.
But minutes later his night would be changed as lay on the ground, barely conscious, and suffering from a fracture to the skull. Mr Dawson never regained consciousness and died two weeks later with his family by his side and his favourite Elton John song playing. He was just two weeks away from celebrating his 79th birthday when he was attacked by Nathan Pilling last year.
Pilling had been cycling along the pavement at speed on August 24 whilst wearing a balaclava when Mr Dawson shouted to him to move off the pavement. He was then a victim of a violent confrontation, after which Pilling fled the scene leaving Mr Dawson to die.
Nathan Pilling, 24, of Deal Street, Bury, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the day of his trial and was jailed for over five years on Wednesday, September 25. The courtroom was filled with Mr Dawson’s family and friends, neighbors, and fellow hikers, reports Manchester Evening News.
Mr Dawson’s granddaughter, Natasha Fisch, took to the witness box. She mentioned that Pilling initially pleading not guilty and put the family through ‘hell’ knowing that he was walking the streets. Natasha said: “I’ve written this letter a million times in my head wanting to address the court on behalf of my wonderful grandad. Everything I have written doesn’t seem to do my grandad justice.”
“There are no words to describe how much he meant to me. I live in constant distress and physically always have a lump in my throat. My grandad was the most wonderful person I have ever known. Grandad, or gramps, was the father I never had. My best friend, my whole world and everything in it.”
“My grandad was such a huge part of my life, he had been there for me since I was a baby and he worked hard to provide for our family. You may think he might have started slowing down in his old age but the later years were some of the best of his life. He was about to be best man for his cousin and had already started writing his speech.”
“He was always telling jokes and always wanted to make people laugh. He was a good man with a big heart, he was generous, cared for others and went out of his way to help a stranger in need. He had a passion for walking and singing. Everybody from his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and neighbors, they say how they miss hearing him sing when he was doing his gardening.”
“He always wore his glasses on his head, but now my lasting memory of him is in intensive care with tubes pumping medication into him with a huge black eye. The idea that someone so kind, gentle, and caring would be on the receiving end of such violence and aggression is sickening and inexcusable.”
“When you strike a person of this age and frailty you know exactly what you are doing. The police told us the killer showed no concern or remorse and his only concern was for the whereabouts of his bike. When your loved one goes out, your main concern is that they will get home safe.”
“Should the elderly have to stay inside to avoid being attacked on the street? Should they stay at home for fear if a 23-year-old coward should attack them? I had a good job and had traveled the world. I have not been able to work since this happened. I am not the same person anymore. All that is left is a shell of who I was. I can’t understand how something so horrible can happen to such a kind soul. I no longer feel safe.”
“I can’t bring myself to think how much my dear Gramps suffered, what his thoughts were and the extent of his pain. I face daily heartache and sadness and am plagued by night terrors. It’s a living hell. I feel like a piece of my heart is missing. The circumstances of his death make my soul feel tortured. I feel like I have two lives, one before and one now. I so desperately want to do right by him. If I could have swapped places with him, I would have. The one person I could talk to about all this is Gramps.”
“He was one of those people who gave everything to everyone and wanted nothing for themselves. I never got to say goodbye. That was robbed from us. He was a hard-working independent man. He was happy, active and had a vibrant social life. He loved animals, singing, hiking, and his family and friends. He loved having a look around a charity shop, a cup of tea, and an egg custard. He also volunteered as a driver for a cancer charity.”
These heartfelt testimonies paint a poignant picture of a man remembered with love and sorrow by his family and community. Mr. Dawson’s tragic and senseless passing serves as a stark reminder of the impact of violence and the enduring pain it inflicts on those left behind. May his memory be a blessing and a call for greater compassion and understanding in our society.