Jacob Dunne is an author, campaigner, presenter, and educator, working across the justice, health, education, and corporate sectors.
At 19, Jacob’s life changed forever when a single act of violence resulted in the death of James Hodgkinson. After serving time for manslaughter and meeting his victim’s parents, he embarked on a journey of personal transformation, becoming a passionate advocate for restorative justice and societal change.
In 2020, Jacob presented The Punch, a BBC Radio 4 series exploring the impact of violent crime and the potential for redemption. The series won the ARIA Award for Best Factual Series in 2021. He is also a former Longford Scholar and holds a first-class honours degree in Criminology.
Jacob’s book, Right From Wrong, furthers his campaign against violence and promotes restorative practices as a solution to division, crime, and hate. His message has reached over 100 million people across various media platforms. Most recently, Right From Wrong was adapted into PUNCH, a stage production by Olivier award-winning playwright James Graham. After a sell-out premiere at Nottingham Playhouse, the play is set to transfer to the Young Vic Theatre in London in March 2025.
Jacob offers a range of services detailed on this site, including consultation for filmmakers and policymakers, training for senior leaders on restorative practices, interventions for public sector professionals, and coaching for individuals seeking positive change. His work is tailored to meet the needs of both individuals and organizations.
In addition, Jacob provides free support and advice to individuals and families affected by crime and violence. He encourages community leaders and social enterprises to connect and believes that collaboration is key to creating sustainable solutions to crime and its causes.
If you believe in the power of restorative justice and want to support Jacob’s mission to build safer, more resilient communities, there are many ways to get involved. Explore the site to engage with Jacob’s podcast, book, play, and social platforms, and join the conversation.
In 2011 Jacob Dunne threw a single punch that ended another man’s life. Sentenced to prison for manslaughter, he served fourteen months of a custodial sentence. On his release, he found himself homeless, unemployed and struggling to find a sense of purpose. But with the help of others, and with the encouragement of his victim’s parents, he managed to get his life back on track.
Right From Wrong follows the course of Jacob’s life, beginning on a council estate in Nottingham. Beset by problems at home and at school, Jacob drifted into drug-related gang culture, drinking heavily and fighting for fun before a fateful night changed the course of his life. Unflinching in its account of Jacob’s guilt and shame, this book will reveal how Jacob used the experience to turn things around. He has been actively involved with Restorative Justice programmes including the Forgiveness Project, has reconciled with those he has hurt, has earned a first-class degree in Criminology and become a husband and father.
Jacob’s story is in some ways unique, but it is also reflective of the experiences of young working-class men and boys across the country. By reflecting on his story, he hopes he might help people to avoid the kind of mistakes he made. In the process he points to the societal reforms needed in order to avoid an endless cycle of criminality and hopelessness.
Right From Wrong is a deeply humane and honest book, and an unflinching look at men’s mental health and emotions at a time when our awareness of these things is of crucial importance.
The stage adaptation of Jacob's story, by award-winning playwright James Graham (Best of Enemies, Dear England), is coming to the historic Young Vic Theatre in London.
This ★★★★★ production follows a sold-out run in Nottingham and is sparking vital conversations across the UK, from theatres to the House of Commons.
PUNCH tells the true story of Jacob Dunne, a Nottingham teenager whose reckless punch on a night out resulted in tragic consequences. After serving his sentence, Jacob struggles to rebuild his life. But when the victim’s parents, Joan and David, reach out to meet him, their encounter transforms Jacob in ways he never expected.
Running from 1st March - 12th April 2025. Limited ticket availability.
The production is dedicated to James Hodgkinson and all victims of one-punch violence.
Inspiring talks that drive personal and professional transformation.
Tailored training to foster empathy, resilience, and conflict resolution.
One-to-one interventions guiding individuals towards positive, lasting change.
Expert advice on embedding restorative practices and systemic change.
Advocating for systemic reform through impactful, restorative justice campaigns.
Personalised coaching for growth in emotional intelligence and leadership.
