Joe Cordina acquitted of assault after self-defence ruling

Former boxing world champion Joe Cordina has been acquitted of assault by beating. A district judge found Cordina acted in self-defence after being shoulder-barged by Jamie O’Brien outside a petrol station in Cardiff in February. Cordina, 34, was found not guilty following a trial at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court.

Self-defence ruling

District Judge Charlotte Murphy stated that O’Brien, 33, had deliberately assaulted Cordina by shoulder-barging him to the chest and chin. The judge highlighted that the incident occurred just two weeks after Cordina had been informed of a threat to his life. In her ruling, Judge Murphy said she was satisfied that Cordina believed it was necessary to use force to defend himself and that a single, measured, controlled punch was proportionate to the circumstances. She noted that the CCTV footage, when viewed in slow motion, did not reflect the split-second decision Cordina had to make in response to the shoulder barge. The judge accepted Cordina’s evidence that he pushed O’Brien while on the floor to keep him away, deeming the force used proportionate.

The court heard that Cordina had approached O’Brien at the Pentwyn service station in Cardiff, initially believing he was a fan. Cordina testified that he felt threatened after O’Brien assaulted him and that he did not know what O’Brien might be carrying. The judge rejected any suggestion that Cordina was retaliating, stating he had approached O’Brien in good faith.

Guilty plea from other party

CCTV footage presented in court showed O’Brien pushing Cordina with his shoulder before Cordina delivered a punch. Jamie O’Brien, from Pentwyn, had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of assault by beating. The police began investigating the incident after footage was circulated online. The judge also ruled there was no evidence that O’Brien knew he was being filmed.

Legal reaction

Following the verdict, Cordina’s lawyer, Nadeem Majid, issued a statement. He said the verdict was a huge relief for Cordina and those close to him, adding that his client had always maintained his innocence. Mr Majid thanked Cordina’s family, friends, legal team, and fans for their unwavering support during a difficult period. He stated that Cordina wished to concentrate on his family and his boxing career, with a potential return to the ring in December.