Former boxing world champion Joe Cordina was 'retaliating' during a fight at a petrol station where he punched a man, Cardiff Magistrates' Court has heard. Mr Cordina is standing trial charged with two counts of assault relating to an incident on 27 February involving Jamie O'Brien, who has previously admitted an assault charge.
The court was told the altercation came to light after a video was published online. CCTV footage played to the court showed Mr Cordina filling his car before walking over to Mr O'Brien.
Prosecutor Alex Orndal said Mr O'Brien 'pushed Mr Cordina with his shoulder', after which Mr Cordina 'punched him with sufficient force to push him to the ground' and then pushed him 'repeatedly'. Mr Orndal added that Mr Cordina 'initiated the confrontation' and was 'not protecting himself but retaliating'.
The court heard there was then 'aggression' from Mr O'Brien, with Mr Cordina raising a golf club and Mr O'Brien lunging at him, followed by an exchange of blows. After Mr O'Brien was restrained, Mr Cordina reportedly threw a further punch. In a police interview, Mr Cordina denied the alleged offence, stating he 'felt threatened' after being shoved and punched 'out of instinct'.
The trial continues.