Jacob Dunne
Campaigner. Educator. Author.
At 19, Jacob threw a single punch that killed a man. What followed changed everything - for him, for a grieving family, and for the millions of people his story has since reached.
About Jacob
Jacob Dunne’s life changed forever on a night in 2011, when a single act of violence resulted in the death of James Hodgkinson. He was 19. He served time for manslaughter, and on release found himself homeless, unemployed, and without direction.
With the support of others - and the extraordinary generosity of James’s parents, Joan and David - Jacob rebuilt his life. He earned a first-class degree in Criminology, became a husband and father, and turned his experience into a lifelong commitment to restorative justice and systemic change.
In 2020 he presented The Punch, a BBC Radio 4 series that won the ARIA Award for Best Factual Series in 2021. His book, Right from Wrong, followed - and in 2025, his story reached the West End stage in PUNCH, written by Olivier Award-winning playwright James Graham.
Jacob’s message has reached millions across media, policy, and education. Today he works through two projects: the Common Ground Justice Project and Right from Wrong.
As seen on
Projects
This is where Jacob dedicates his time - two projects driving real change in restorative justice and criminal justice reform.
Common Ground Justice Project
The UK’s criminal justice system isn’t working - and Common Ground is building the evidence for a better way forward. Jacob co-founded the non-profit initiative - in partnership with the Centre for Justice Innovation - to listen across divides: to victims, offenders, policymakers, and communities.
Right from Wrong
Right from Wrong is building the UK’s definitive resource for restorative justice education: workshops, training, digital tools, and programmes that actually work. If you’re a school, a prison, a youth justice team, or an organisation that wants to do something real about conflict, accountability, and restorative practice - this is where you need to go.
Punch
Jacob’s story has been adapted for the stage by James Graham - the Olivier Award-winning playwright behind Best of Enemies and Dear England.
PUNCH tells the true story of a Nottingham teenager whose reckless punch on a night out resulted in tragic consequences. After serving his sentence, Jacob struggles to rebuild his life - until the victim’s parents reach out to meet him, and everything changes.
Following a five-star sold-out run at Nottingham Playhouse, a sold-out run at London’s Young Vic, and a West End transfer, the production is now heading on a regional tour - visiting communities across the UK where these conversations matter most.
Right from Wrong Book
Right from Wrong is an unflinching account of guilt, shame, and transformation - tracing Jacob’s journey from a council estate in Nottingham, through gang culture and a fateful night, to a first-class degree, a family, and a life spent advocating for the people the justice system fails.
Honest, humane, and ultimately hopeful.
‘A much-needed burst of light in the dark meadow of time.’
- Lemn Sissay
Watch
From TEDx stages to national television - some of Jacob’s most powerful talks and appearances.
Get in touch
Jacob would love to hear from you. If you’re a school or education provider looking for workshops, talks, or resources, the best place to start is rightfromwrong.uk.
For everything else, use the form below.