Radical with Amol Rajan A Fatal Punch: Why I Met the Parents of the Man I Killed (Jacob Dunne)
Oct 16, 2025
Jacob Dunne, once convicted of manslaughter for a fatal punch, now advocates for restorative justice after a transformative relationship with the victim's parents, Joan and David. He shares the harrowing details of that night and how their forgiveness inspired him to pursue education and a new path in life. Jacob discusses the importance of addressing the root causes of violence, the failure of prisons to reduce reoffending, and his mission to reform criminal justice for victims and communities. His remarkable journey is a testament to the power of connection and redemption.
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Restorative Justice Puts Victims First
- Restorative justice centers victims' needs and dialogue rather than pure punishment.
- Jacob argues it reduces reoffending and rebuilds public trust in justice.
Evidence-Backed Savings Of Restorative Justice
- Restorative justice saves money and reduces reoffending according to cited statistics.
- Jacob highlights the mismatch between evidence and political will to fund it.
Growing Up On The Meadows Estate
- Jacob grew up on the Meadows estate with poor planning and limited adult authority.
- He describes a claustrophobic area where architecture and exclusion shaped identity and risk.
