A man cycling back home from a late-night shopping trip found himself surrounded by a gang, attacked, and robbed of his e-bike and groceries in a distressing incident in Swansea. The victim, who had borrowed the e-bike from a friend to run errands, encountered a group of men and women in the early hours of the morning. Swansea Crown Court heard that the assailants assaulted the cyclist, prompting the victim and a friend to track down and apprehend one of the attackers, Jonathan Yeandle, before contacting the authorities.
The prosecution detailed that the incident took place around 1:40 am on August 31 the previous year when the victim was returning to his friend’s flat in Swansea after purchasing groceries in the city centre. As the cyclist neared the Full Moon pub, he was confronted by Yeandle, who accused him of talking to his girlfriend and proceeded to physically attack him. Subsequently, a group of individuals joined in the assault, leading to the theft of the e-bike and groceries before dispersing from the scene.
Following the ordeal, the victim, visibly shaken and with grazes on his hands, together with a friend, located Yeandle walking towards the railway station and detained him until the police arrived. In his defense, Yeandle’s barrister acknowledged his client’s inappropriate reaction but highlighted his positive actions during his time in remand, including securing employment and overcoming substance abuse issues.
Recorder Christian Jowett noted that Yeandle, having pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, had played a role in the attack while others had stolen the bicycle. The court sentenced Yeandle to 30 weeks in prison, with a one-quarter discount for his guilty plea. Additionally, the charge of robbery against Yeandle was dropped, and he was acquitted of that charge.
This incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability individuals may face while out in the early hours and the importance of staying alert and aware of one’s surroundings. The swift action taken by the victim and his friend to track down the attacker showcases their determination to seek justice and ensure the safety of their community. As the legal proceedings unfold, it is crucial to reflect on the impact of such crimes on victims and the significance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.