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Topics: Crime, True Crime, UK News
Jen Thomas
The family of a man who was killed with a single punch has reacted with horror at the 'lenient' sentence his killer received.
Cemal John Yilmaz, 29, had been enjoying a night out with his brother and friends in Exmouth, Devon, in December when he was punched and knocked to the ground by a Royal Marine.
His attacker, Joseph Jones, 22, was sentenced in court, and now Yilmaz's family has shared their fury at the ruling.
Royal Marine Commando Jones had been celebrating with other Marines after their passing out parade.
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The pair are said to have 'exchanged words' in the street. Jones later told police that he was uncomfortable and that Yilmaz 'was too close to him'.
The court heard how Yilmaz was heard saying 'you're a Brummie' to Jones, to which he responded: "No, I’m from Wolverhampton."
The victim's mother, Ann, told the Manchester Evening News (MEN): "Cemal turned around to talk to the others, and then as he turned back, he was hit under the chin.
"His jaw was broken from the right hand side and he hit the floor with force. He was already unconscious. His legs buckled from underneath him. He hit the floor with some force because he was already knocked out."
Yilmaz was taken to the hospital in a serious condition but despite treatment, he died of his injuries four days later.
His devastated parents have lodged an appeal after Jones was given what they call a 'lenient' sentence, which was an 'insult' following the death of their son.
Jones was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison for manslaughter at Exeter Crown Court on 13 March.
He had pleaded guilty and will serve two years and four months of his sentence before he can be released on licence.
Calling the sentence a 'disgrace', Ann told MEN: "We just couldn't believe it. We were in court, and it was horrific. We were all in disbelief."
She added: "This shouldn't be allowed to happen. There should be something in place so that those who die from one punch attacks still get justice. There should be heavier sentences in place. Any sort of Marine should know they serve the country and are there to protect others. Instead, Joseph Jones killed my son like a coward.
"We want this out there. We feel we have been drawn a bad card, but we want to get justice for Cem and stop other families going through this."
The grieving mother continued: "If I could rewind and do anything to get him back, I would. What we went through was horrific."
His family has paid tribute to their son, describing him as an 'amazing' and 'selfless' man who 'brightened up the darkest of places'.
They have also created a petition calling for tougher sentences for 'one-punch killers', which has had nearly 10,000 signatures so far.
The family says they have not had a response yet to their appeal.