Calls for longer sentences for single punch deaths

The family of a man who was killed by a royal marine has called for tougher sentences for people who cause single punch deaths.

Cemal Yilmaz, 29, died after being punched by Marine Joseph Jones in Church Street in Exmouth, Devon, on 13 December 2025.

Jones, 23, who was based at the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison in March, and his family has been told he could be released after 17 months.

Cemal's mother, Ann-Marie Yilmaz said: "They need to look at these lenient sentences because they are getting away with it - he's taken my boy's life and we have a lifetime now of being without Cem."

Jones, from Wolverhampton, pleaded guilty to manslaughter during a hearing at Exeter Crown Court.

During sentencing, the court heard Jones had punched him out of the blue when he became irritated after Yilmaz said the 22-year-old was from Birmingham.

Yilmaz suffered a massive brain haemorrhage and died in Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, three days after the attack.

His mother said: "The neurosurgeon said there was nothing they could do for him."

She was told by medics the three marks on the left side of his chin was where his jaw had been broken.

"The marine punched him in the face and Cemal collapsed and fell on the floor and that's what caused the brain haemorrhage," she said.

"He was bleeding from his brain and his right ear - the blood was just coming out of everywhere."

Yilmaz's parents requested the sentence imposed on Jones be referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, but this was turned down by the attorney general's office.

Solicitor General Ellie Reeves said: "I was shocked by this case. Cemal Yilmaz was a young man who had his whole life ahead of him but has been denied that by one act of violence.

"After careful consideration, I concluded that this case cannot be properly referred to the Court of Appeal.

"I appreciate that this is not be the outcome Cemal's family had hoped for. I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the victim's family and friends at this difficult time."

The solicitor general also apologised for an administrative error that meant Cemal's aunt was sent a letter with the decision, before his parents were informed.

The family said they feel they have been let down by the justice system, and they have had no contact at all from the Royal Marines.

Since then, Yilmaz's parents have been told by their probation liaison officer Jones has been moved to an open prison and will serve 17 months before he is released on licence.

The sentencing council has said most manslaughter cases fall into Category B, but "most offenders sentenced for so called 'one punch' manslaughter receive a culpability categorisation of C, which is likely reflected in the lower average custodial sentence length".

Category B has a sentencing range of eight to sixteen years, while category C has a range of three to nine years in prison.

Cemal's father, Ozkan Yilmaz, 55 of Exmouth said: "Sentenced to 17 months for killing someone is incredible.

"We are totally in shock. My son did nothing to him, not even an argument."

Cemal's younger brother, Merik Yilmaz, 25, added: "I feel like all the badness has happened to us and he's just had a slap on the wrist.

"It's completely unfair - my brother was a good man."

He described his brother as a lovely man who was larger than life.

"Everyday he would come into my room and wake me up and give me a hug.

"But now everything feels quiet - you wouldn't wish it on anyone."

Father Ozkan Yilmaz described him as his backbone: "There are no words to explain how painful it is losing your son.

"I now fully understand what it means when someone says my heart is bleeding."

A Prison Service spokesperson said: "This was a tragic crime and we express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Cemal Yilmaz.

"Victims deserve the support they need to rebuild their lives and we're reviewing how we can make it easier for them to raise concerns about offender's licence conditions.

"Prisoners are only moved to open jails after a careful risk assessment and must obey strict rules to remain there."

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: "Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Cemal Yilmaz following this tragic incident.

"We hold our people to the highest standards and will take appropriate action, including dismissal from the Royal Navy, against anyone who fails to uphold these high standards."