AN inquest opened today (Tuesday) into the death of a Bradford man who died seven years after a one-punch attack in 2015 left him with head and brain injuries.

Assistant Coroner Angela Brocklehurst opened the inquest at Bradford Coroner’s Court into the death of 42-year-old Simon Hackett, of Bradford, who died in April 2022 at a care home in Mirfield.

After the opening, Ms Brocklehurst then suspended it “pending a criminal investigation”.

Mr Hackett, a scaffolder, was punched in the face and knocked to the ground back in September 2015 as he walked home from a night out in Buttershaw.

He suffered head and brain injuries which left him dependent on nursing care and he was in and out of hospital for operations.

Opening the inquest, Ms Brocklehurst said: “It is my sad duty to open an inquest into the death of Simon David Hackett.

“Mr Hackett, 42, was born on February 3, 1980, in Leeds.

“He was a gentleman who worked as a scaffolder but in recent years he had been struggling with invalidity.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Simon Hackett, who has died after an attack in 2015 left him disabled.Simon Hackett, who has died after an attack in 2015 left him disabled. (Image: UGC)

“He died on April 9, 2022, at Willow Court care home in Mirfield.

“His death follows an assault in 2015, and it is the duty of this court to determine if it is the consequence of this assault.

“There has been a significant investigation into his death.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Simon Hackett before his injuries.Simon Hackett before his injuries. (Image: UGC)

Ms Brocklehurst said she has received three medical reports but is requesting a report from the care home and a statement from Mr Hackett’s family.

She also said: “The police are making ongoing enquiries, and the police have requested that I suspend this inquest so they can give details about his death.

Mr Brocklehurst told the court: “I will suspend this hearing pending a criminal investigation until April 3, 2024.”

However, she did say it could be heard at a later date depending on if further evidence is required.

In 2016, Jordan Docherty, then 20, was sentenced for the attack to four years in a young offender institution, while Mr Hackett’s partner Caroline and her daughter, who was 11 at the time, had to face life-changing consequences of what happened.

The nature of Mr Hackett’s injuries meant he had to be cared for at the specialist care home in Mirfield.

After his death in April 2022, Caroline said she and her daughter had many fond memories of how their life was before and remember Simon’s outgoing, hardworking nature.

“Going fishing, going camping, holidays, everything. It definitely helps, you hold on to your memories,” said Caroline.