Much-loved grandad Michael Dawson enjoyed a joyous evening with his friend at a pub in Bury. Known as ‘Curly’, he spent the evening singing karaoke and sharing pints with his friend, Big Tony. However, his night took a tragic turn when he encountered 24-year-old Nathan Pilling riding a bike on the pavement on August 24 last year. When Mr Dawson asked Pilling to move, Pilling punched him in the face, causing a fatal skull fracture. Despite being just two weeks away from his 79th birthday, Mr Dawson passed away two weeks later, surrounded by family with his favourite Elton John song playing.
Pilling, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter, was sentenced to over five years in prison on September 25. Mr Dawson’s granddaughter, Natasha Fisch, described the immense loss her family felt, noting that Pilling’s lack of remorse exacerbated their pain. She emphasised Mr Dawson’s kindness, sense of humour, and love for his family and community, expressing the ongoing trauma inflicted upon the family by his tragic death.
The court heard emotional statements from Mr Dawson’s family members, highlighting the impact of his loss on their lives. Despite Pilling’s guilty plea, Mr Dawson’s family condemned his cowardly and aggressive actions, expressing disbelief at the senseless violence that led to their beloved grandad’s death. As Pilling serves his prison sentence, Mr Dawson’s family continues to grapple with the profound grief caused by his untimely and tragic passing.
The sentencing judge condemned Pilling’s actions, noting the unnecessary and criminal nature of the confrontation that led to Mr Dawson’s death. Pilling was ordered to serve two-thirds of his sentence before being released on licence. The community mourns the loss of Michael Dawson, a cherished grandad whose life was unjustly taken in a violent and devastating incident.