A 34-year-old man died after being punched while breaking up a pub fight – and married his childhood sweetheart while in a coma, a court heard. Harley Fox was left with fatal head injuries after stepping in at the Market Inn beer garden in Huthwaite on 8 June last year. He passed away in the hospital two days later.
Attack Sparks Tragedy on What Should Have Been a Night of Fun
Dilon Price, 30, from Sutton-in-Ashfield, admitted manslaughter at Nottingham Crown Court. Initially denying charges, he later changed his plea. The court heard Price was aggressive and looking for a fight after accusing another man, John Francis, of cheating at pool. 
- Price threw punches inside the pub before the scuffle spilled outside.
- Witnesses saw Price follow Francis to the beer garden, physically assault him, and then attack Harley Fox as he tried to intervene.
- Fox was punched, knocked down, and hit his head on a picnic table and concrete, causing a fatal brain injury.
Price was jailed for 5 years and 11 months. He also confessed to assaulting John Francis, who was celebrating his wife’s birthday and wedding anniversary.
Hospital Wedding and Heartbreaking Impact Statements
While unconscious, Harley was married at his hospital bedside to his fiancée, Jordan. Prosecutors described the day as one “that should have been full of joy” turned into tragedy by Price’s actions.
“Jordan married the love of her life on his deathbed – one cannot understand the anguish that she felt,” said the judge.
Harley’s mother spoke of the family’s devastation: “Harley’s death has shattered our family. He was young, healthy, and a peacemaker who would never cause trouble. “We’ll never hear him say, ‘I’m starving mum,’ or feel his big strong arms give me a cuddle. Harley had a bright future, a loving daughter, and was like the fourth emergency service in our family – always there to help. “All taken away because of one man’s stupid and aggressive actions.” Jordan, Harley’s fiancée, added: “Sunday 8th June 2025 is a day I will never forget – the day the man I loved was killed in an unprovoked attack. “Harley was honest, funny, loving, and always put others first. We had a happy home and plans for the future, all ripped away by Dilon Price.”
Police React to Sentencing
Detective Inspector Matt Scott said:
“A life was cut short on what should have been an enjoyable evening. Dilon Price’s behaviour was totally unacceptable and has caused untold misery to Harley’s family and friends.” “It took months for Price to plead guilty. Had he shown remorse sooner, the pain for the family might have been lessened.” “This complex investigation will hopefully bring some closure to the family.”
