David Coxon was killed by Jason James at a scooter rally hosted at the Sandford Holiday Park in Holton Heath last year

Dr Jonny Coxon has backed a new Dorset Police campaign after the death of his brother David Coxon, who died when he was punched just once by amateur boxer Jason James.

Last year, the force dealt with almost 10,000 crimes involving violence. Four people died as a result of injuries sustained by a single punch.

Mr Coxon had been at a scooter rally at the Sandford Holiday Park in Holton Heath in March 2016 when he was killed.

He was knocked to the ground by James while both men visited Dorset with other members of the Cider Commandos of Newton Abbot Scooter Club.

James initially fled before returning a few hours later to hand himself in. Mr Coxon was pronounced dead at the scene.

James admitted manslaughter and was sentenced to four years in prison at Winchester Crown Court in April 2016.

Dr Coxon said: “Just after he died when all the tributes were coming in, I genuinely lost count of the number of times people described him as the ‘gentle giant’. We chose the words on his gravestone really carefully and I think the last few sum him up really well, it finishes – big man, big laugh, big heart. That was him.

“Losing your brother is unimaginably devastating. I still get flashbacks of the last time Mum and I saw his body lying in the morgue; cold and lifeless. That’s where we got to say our last goodbye.

“If this campaign can help to drive home the destruction that comes from that one moment of losing self-control - the flying fist and suddenly someone has potentially become a killer. If there is a hint of a chance that someone in that situation can remember something like this and pause, take a moment and walk away, I think lives can be changed and saved."

The new #OnePunch campaign aims to encourage people who find themselves involved in a confrontation or argument to stop, think about their actions and the potential consequences and walk away.

Police will release videos on social media and give bar mats and posters to licensed premises across Dorset.

Anyone arrested for common assault, actual bodily harm or grievous bodily harm will also be given a leaflet while in custody, giving them more information about how the consequences of their actions could have resulted in tragedy.

"We don’t live in the movies. In real life, it can take just one punch and sometimes people just don’t get back up," Dr Coxon said.

Of all violent crimes recorded in Dorset last year, 3,841 took place in Bournemouth, 1,723 in Poole and 1,475 in Weymouth.

Superintendent Jared Parkin, of Dorset Police, said: “A single act and that split second decision can cause devastating lasting damage to numerous lives. "Last year, Dorset Police dealt with 9,868 crimes involving an element of violence, any of which could have turned deadly.

“Alcohol plays a major role in violent crime and national statistics show that 53 per cent of violent incidents involving adults were alcohol-related, most commonly involving male victims.

“At this time of the year we see more people heading out to celebrate, enjoying Christmas parties and socialising with colleagues who you often wouldn’t be out drinking with. We would encourage everyone to think about their actions and how easily a momentary decision can affect the rest of your life and potentially end others.”