Former world champion Joe Cordina acquitted of assault after petrol‑station punch

Joe Cordina, the former IBF super‑featherweight champion, was found not guilty of assault after a February incident outside a garage in Pentwyn, Cardiff. District Judge Charlotte Murphy ruled that the single punch Cordina delivered to Jamie O’Brien, 33, was a proportionate response to a shoulder barge and that Cordina acted to defend himself.

The judge said she was “satisfied” Cordina believed force was necessary and that “a single, measured, controlled punch was proportionate in the circumstances.” She added that while CCTV footage can be examined in slow motion, Cordina only had a split second to react to the assault.

CCTV showed Cordina filling up his Land Rover when O’Brien, who was sitting on the pavement near the petrol‑station exit, pushed him with his shoulder. Cordina then struck O’Brien, knocking him to the ground. The two men continued to exchange words and blows before police were called. O’Brien, a Pentwyn resident, later pleaded guilty to assault by beating.

Cordina told the court that he had initially thought O’Brien was a fan seeking a photograph. When he called the man over, O’Brien replied “You come here,” and then barged into him, leaving Cordina feeling threatened. “He had his hands in his pockets, I don’t know what people carry on them these days,” Cordina said.

The judge rejected the notion that Cordina was retaliating and noted his long public profile and frequent interactions with fans. She concluded that the Crown had not proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt, dismissed the charge, and previously ruled there was no case to answer on a second assault allegation.

After the verdict, Cordina posted on social media that he was “hugely relieved” to put the incident behind him and is now “firmly focused on the future and getting back in the ring.” He thanked his lawyer, family, friends and supporters, saying their loyalty meant a great deal. Cordina added that boxing has been his life for as long as he can remember and he looks forward to training for his next fight.