Former boxer Joe Cordina cleared of assault in Cardiff petrol station incident

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 14:20 · Archive

Former world boxing champion Joe Cordina was found not guilty of assault after a judge ruled his punch outside a Cardiff petrol station was self-defence.

Former IBF super-featherweight champion Joe Cordina, 34, has been cleared of assault after a trial at Cardiff Magistrates' Court found his punch outside a Texaco garage in Pentwyn, Cardiff on 27 February was justified self-defence.

CCTV footage shown to the court depicted Jamie O'Brien, 33, pushing Cordina using his shoulder before Cordina punched him with sufficient force to knock him to the ground. The two men then continued to exchange blows. O'Brien, from Pentwyn, has pleaded guilty to assault by beating.

District judge Charlotte Murphy ruled that Cordina believed it was necessary to use force to defend himself and that his response was proportionate. She noted that Cordina had only a split second to react, and that viewing the incident in slow motion could distort perception of events. The judge accepted evidence that Cordina had pushed O'Brien while on the floor to keep him away.

Cordina told the court he initially thought O'Brien wanted a photograph, saying he was recognised four or five times daily. He said he felt threatened after O'Brien barged him and was unsure what O'Brien might be carrying. The incident became public after footage circulated online.

How it is being reported

• Former world champion Cordina cleared of assault after petrol station punchThe judge said she was satisfied the boxer was defending himself during the incident.BBC Sport · 20 Oct, 14:59
• Former boxing world champion Joe Cordina is cleared of assault after punching stranger during row at petrol stationDuring the trial, Cardiff Magistrates' Court heard how Cordina was acting on 'instinct' when he punched the stranger during an altercation.Daily Mail · 20 Oct, 14:04
• Former boxing world champion Joe Cordina cleared of assault after self-defence rulingThe two-time IBF super-featherweight champion was found not guilty after a judge ruled his punch outside a Cardiff petrol station was a proportionate act of self-defenceIndependent Sport · 20 Oct, 13:50

In this story: Joe Cordina · Jamie O'Brien · Cardiff Magistrates' Court · Cardiff

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