Former boxing world champion Joe Cordina faces trial for assault by beating following an incident on February 27 at a petrol station involving Jamie O'Brien. The case emerged after video evidence surfaced on Wales Online, capturing the altercation at a Texaco garage in Pentwyn, Cardiff.

During the proceedings at Cardiff Magistrates' Court, it was revealed that O'Brien had previously admitted to a charge of assault by beating, while a second charge against Cordina was dismissed.

Key details from the court included:

• O'Brien's sister claimed her brother "hated" Cordina and might have intentionally sought him out.
• CCTV footage showed the incident unfolding over several minutes, starting with Cordina filling his car.
• O'Brien pushed Cordina with his shoulder, prompting Cordina to retaliate with a punch that knocked O'Brien to the ground, followed by repeated attacks.

Prosecutor Alex Orndal argued that Cordina had initiated the confrontation, stating, "Cordina was not protecting himself but retaliating." The court also noted that aggression escalated from both sides, with Cordina raising a golf club and O'Brien lunging at him, leading to an exchange of blows.

In his defense, Cordina claimed he acted out of instinct after feeling threatened by O'Brien's actions. Defense barrister Tom Crowther suggested the altercation was a setup, with family members of O'Brien indicating they had been waiting for Cordina.

The investigating officer, PC Samuel Penman, acknowledged that it was a mistake not to question O'Brien's sister about her brother's alleged vendetta against Cordina. The trial is set to continue as both sides present their cases.