A FAMILY are launching a fresh bid to change the law after their beloved dad and husband was badly beaten after a football match in Southend.

The Dobbin family say violent criminals should be forced to pay a contribution to the NHS for the rest of their lives.

Their campaign comes after Simon Dobbin was left paralysed after an attack at a Southend v Cambridge game in March 2015.

They are meeting with the Justice Secretary, Robert Buckland, to press their case.

It comes as the Echo can reveal that only one of his three attackers is still behind bars, but will be released in February.

Nicole Dobbin, Simon’s wife, is meeting Mr Buckland tomorrow, to push for the law regarding violent disorder offences to be changed.

Simon’s attackers were all charged with violent disorder, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, instead of a charge of causing grievous bodily harm or attempted murder.

Nicole is outraged that in a month’s time, nobody will be in prison, and is calling for those found guilty of a violent disorder offence, to pay a percentage of earnings - through employment or benefits - to the NHS for the rest of their lives.

The 48-year-old said: “Simon has been given a life sentence. His life has changed forever.

“These people are now back into society and will forget all about what they have done.

“It never goes away - I’ve got his life in my hands. We’ve both given up our jobs because of the attack.

“My life revolves around trying to keep Simon well and out of hospital.

“He was last in in early 2017, which is really good for him - he’s doing really well.

“Simon’s care always comes first. Luckily I don’t have to worry about Lucy (my daughter).

“She’s been so brave. I’m so proud of her. She was only 16 when it happened and she passed all of her exams and got into her university in London.”

The family appeared on DIY SOS this time last year to turn their house into a suitable place for Simon to live.

The build included a downstairs extension, a bedroom, physio space, wet room and social space for Simon, and the family moved out of the home while the build was taking place.

Mrs Dobbin’s meeting with the Justice Secretary was organised two weeks ago, with her petition was signed by 41,000 people.

Nicole is delighted the meeting is going ahead, and added: “It was overwhelming to have him get involved.

“He did write to us and say that it would be unlikely to introduce the law we are campaigning for but how hard can it be - all we’re asking for is for their national insurance contribution.

“Simon’s got a life sentence. They’re now being released.

“Five years has gone so quick.

“There’s no deterrent for this kind of behaviour.

“They forget about their crimes, then get to play table tennis and watch TV in prison.

“Even if the law stops one person out of a group taking part in one of these attacks, it’s a step forward.

“If you beat someone for 90 seconds, you have an intent to kill. They won’t want their money taken off them.”