From BBC News · · 1m 20s
Boxer Cordina on trial for petrol station assault
Former world champion Joe Cordina denies punching a man at a Cardiff petrol station in February, claiming he was retaliating after being shoved.
In brief
Former world champion Joe Cordina denies punching a man at a Cardiff petrol station in February, claiming he was retaliating after being shoved. Joe Cordina stands trial for assault at a petrol station on February twenty-seventh; his defence claims he was retaliating and set up, while the prosecutor says he initiated…
Former champion in court
Joe Cordina, a former boxing world champion, is standing trial at Cardiff Magistrates' Court charged with assault by beating relating to an incident on twenty-seventh February.
The fight at Texaco
The altercation happened at a Texaco garage in the Pentwyn area of Cardiff and came to light days later after a witness video was published on Wales Online.
Prosecutor's account
Prosecutor Alex Orndal told the court that Jamie O'Brien pushed Cordina with his shoulder, then Cordina punched him with sufficient force to push him to the ground, then pushed him repeatedly.
“Mr Cordina has initiated the confrontation. Cordina was not protecting himself but retaliating.”
Defence claims setup
Cordina's defence barrister Tom Crowther told the court O'Brien had been identified by family members from the video, and suggested they were watching and waiting for Cordina as a setup.
Trial continues
Investigating officer PC Samuel Penman agreed the person filming seemingly started recording before any physical altercation began. The trial at Cardiff Magistrates' Court continues.
The bottom line
Joe Cordina stands trial for assault at a petrol station on February twenty-seventh; his defence claims he was retaliating and set up, while the prosecutor says he initiated the confrontation.
