Danny Hodgson’s parents Nicola and Peter release statement as teen pleads guilty to attack

Danny Hodgson’s parents say a guilty plea from the teenager accused of bashing their son has closed a “small chapter” in the family’s nightmare ordeal.

A 17-year-old boy appeared in Perth Children’s Court on Thursday to plead guilty to grievous bodily harm over the assault on the soccer player on September 5.

The boy cannot be named for legal reasons.

Danny, 26, has remained in hospital since the Perth Train Station attack, which left him fighting for life in ICU with severe head injuries for 82 days. He is now in Fiona Stanley Hospital undergoing rehabilitation.

Hours after the teenager’s guilty plea, Danny’s parents Nicola and Peter spoke about the struggles their son still faces.

“Today’s court hearing in which the person accused of attacking our son Danny Hodgson has plead guilty closes one small chapter of the horrific journey our family is experiencing,” the couple said.

Danny’s parents said, while they were unable to comment on the court proceedings, the ECU Joondalup soccer player still faced a long health battle.

“Nothing equates to the nightmare that our son Danny has gone through, nor the ongoing challenges he now faces to painstakingly rebuild his life,” the couple said.

“We must allow the court process to continue and at this stage we choose to focus all our energy on our son and the recovery he so deserves to have.”

Danny was on his way home from end-of-season celebrations with his friends at 2am when he was punched in the back of the head by the teenager.

The attacker was charged two days later.

Last month, Danny’s family released a heartbreaking photo showing him in hospital being held by his father following a lengthy stint fighting for life in Royal Perth Hospital.

“Despite his significant injuries Danny spent every minute of those 82 days in Royal Perth fighting. He never gave up and the ICU doctors nicknamed him Ironman,” a family statement said.

“He must learn to swallow, drink, eat and eventually talk again and that is just the beginning.

“His physical rehabilitation will be gruelling, and we know that for every tiny step forward there is likely to be setbacks.”

“But we believe in Danny’s strong spirit and with the support of his wonderful girlfriend Jess, his family, and his friends, we know he can slowly and painstakingly move forward.”