Joe Cordina Acquitted of Assault Charges
Boxer cleared after court reviews petrol station altercation footage from February incident.
Callum Smith
Joe Cordina was found not guilty of assault at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning.
CCTV footage presented in court showed Jamie O'Brien pushing Cordina with his shoulder in Pentwyn, Cardiff. Cordina responded with a punch.
O'Brien previously pleaded guilty to assault by beating in connection with the same incident. Police began their investigation after footage of the altercation circulated online.
Cordina stated he initially believed O'Brien was a fan seeking a photograph. He claimed O'Brien 'barged' him, leaving him feeling threatened.
It is very easy to consider the defendant's response by considering the CCTV in slow motion, however the defendant had a split second to consider his response to the shoulder barge.
Magistrate Charlotte Murphy noted the defendant had a split second to react. "It is very easy to consider the defendant's response by considering the CCTV in slow motion, however the defendant had a split second to consider his response to the shoulder barge," she stated.
Murphy concluded the force used was necessary and proportionate. "In my view, it was necessary and the force used was proportionate in the circumstances," she affirmed. She added, "I reject any suggestion that the defendant was retaliating in any way."
Cordina expressed concern about potentially losing his boxing license if convicted. He also stated, "He had his hands in his pockets, I don't know what people carry on them these days."
Murphy was satisfied Cordina believed it was necessary to use force for self-defence. She further stated, "I am further satisfied that a single, measured, controlled punch was proportionate in the circumstances."
For all of those reasons, the crown has not proved to the criminal standard. I therefore find the defendant not guilty and dismiss the charge.
"For all of those reasons, the crown has not proved to the criminal standard. I therefore find the defendant not guilty and dismiss the charge," Murphy declared. Cordina had previously remarked, "I make time for everybody."