The parents of a 27-year-old Mandurah man allegedly killed in a so-called 'coward's punch' attack are calling on the state government to fast track legislation that would double jail time for the offence.
According to witnesses, Mr Goodwin was playing pool at Silver Sands Tavern in Mandurah around 4.30pm on September 20, and had his hands in his pockets, when another man punched him in the face, causing him to fall back and hit his head on the corner of a wall.
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Parents of Jason Goodwin call for law change
The parents of a 27-year-old Mandurah man allegedly killed in a so-called 'coward's punch' attack are calling for legislation that would double jail time for the offence. Vision: Nine News Perth
Paramedics found him unconscious a short time later.
After a two-day manhunt, Madora Bay man Jake Mosley was charged with grievous bodily harm.
Kevin and Michelle Goodwin spoke to 9 News Perth about the ordeal of watching their son die in intensive care, despite the efforts of doctors to save him.
"Michelle was with him constantly holding his hand - doctors didn't try to mislead us at all, it was always on the knife edge whether he was going to make it or not," Mr Goodwin said, speaking of his grief at the way his son died.
"The dangers is it kills. It's not the punch. It's when they hit the ground and smash their head open."
There's been at least nine deadly one-punch attacks in WA in the past decade, and Mr Goodwin said there needs to be stiffer penalties for those who inflict them.
"Until there's so me real discouragement I don't know how you';re going to stop people doing this unless they know there something serious at the other end of it for them."
The Barnett government has legislation proposed that would double the current maximum penalty of ten years jail to twenty - and Mr Goodwin wants that made law.
"It's been dragging its feet for a long time and I think it's time somebody stood up and pushed it through, did something about it."
Mr Mosley is yet to enter a plea.