Freddie Fontete-Jones' mother backs anti-violence campaign

Freddie Fontete-Jones died in hospital after being assaulted

The mum of a man who died after being hit with a single punch says his death has "turned my life upside down" as she joins an anti-violence campaign.

Freddie Fontete-Jones, 23, died three days after being punched in Salisbury Market Square on 22 February, 2022.

His mum Gifty Tetteh is backing a new campaign by Wiltshire Police called Walk Away.

It aims to prevent serious injury or possible death caused by 'one punch' by encouraging people to walk away.

Ms Tetteh, 53, said: "I wish I could explain the impact. It has turned my life upside down, not only my life but all the siblings, all the friends - some of them are not doing well.

"I just feel like I'm having a dream, I'm watching a film that someone else is writing the story of and I'm living with it - it is so hard."

Gifty Tetteh has said she does not want any other mother to go through what she has

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: "Walk Away aims to prevent serious injury or possible death caused by a one punch.

"It aim to encourage perpetrators and bystanders to encourage their friends to 'walk away' from a potentially violent situation."

On the day of the fatal assault, Wiltshire Police officers were called to the Market Square at 03:00 BST, following two 999 calls reporting disorder.

When they arrived, Mr Fontete-Jones was unconscious and being given first aid by paramedics.

He was taken to hospital, but later died.

'He was a peacemaker'

Ms Tetteh said: "I just want to spread the message across to the young ones that it's not the way to live.

"It was a Saturday evening. My son went out and he didn't come back."

Ms Tetteh said that her son, who was a "very popular" character was playing a peacemaker role in an altercation when he was hit.

"He was not fighting anyone, he was trying to stop a fight. One punch took his life," she said.

Connor Pool, 26, of Salt Lane, Winterbourne Gunner, was sentenced to nine years in prison for killing Mr Fontete-Jones after pleading guilty to manslaughter.

Mr Fontete-Jones was one of seven siblings - pictured here with his youngest sibling during lockdown

"I don't want any family to go through what we are going through or any mother to go through what I'm going through," said Ms Tetteh.

"So if you go out - I'm not saying don't go out - enjoy yourself but just walk away if someone is getting annoyed or someone is picking on you.

"Just walk away, just save a life. If I can save one person's life, one family's life, then I'll be happy."

'It can ruin lives'

Det Chief Insp Phil Walker, of Wiltshire Police's major crime investigation team, said: "We want people to have a great time on nights out across the county.

"However, we know that assaults which happen during a night out can have serious consequences.

"A single punch can ruin lives and this campaign is aimed at changing behaviours and ensuring that nights out are safe for everyone.

"We have good relationships with our local venues and partners and some of these will be displaying messages as part of a range of measures to make nights out memorable for the right reasons."

Ms Tetteh paid tribute to her son, who she described as "very funny".

"We had so much fun when we were together, and now I don't have that," she said.