Three teenagers who killed dog walker in ‘vicious’ attack after row in park are detained

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In a victim impact statement read to the court on Thursday, Mr Hackett’s mother Christine Smith said of the death of her son: “I wish to state that it has ruined my life and put me through hell.” Paying tribute to Mr Hackett following the sentencing, his family said in a statement: “We are devasted by John’s passing. “We will never be able to forgive those involved.” open image in gallery A Home Office postmortem found Mr Hackett had died from severe abdominal injuries described as the equivalent of him having been in a car crash In the weeks leading up to the assault, police said the defendants had verbally abused Mr Hackett as he walked his dog through Snowhill Recreation Ground. open image in gallery In the weeks leading up to the assault, police said the defendants had verbally abused Mr Hackett as he walked his dog through Snowhill Recreation Ground However, he discharged himself two hours later and went back home, where he collapsed the following morning. These three young people may not have intended to kill Mr Hackett, but that is ultimately what happened, and like Mr Hackett’s family, they will live with the consequences of their actions for the rest of their lives.” She added: “No outcome can ever change what has happened, but I hope Mr Hackett’s family can now start to rebuild their lives after such a terrible ordeal.”