Car Rams into Pedestrians in Cardiff: A Shocking Incident
A disturbing incident occurred in Cardiff, where an SUV driver rammed into pedestrians crossing a street after a dispute over an Airbnb rental. Jonathan Newbury, 33, was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent in connection with the attack that took place in Cathays last July. Alongside Elliott Fiteni, 23, Newbury faced trial at Cardiff Crown Court over accusations of deliberately using a heavy vehicle to target pedestrians.
The horrifying event unfolded at 12:02 am on July 5 when the car ploughed into Ryan Jones and a 17-year-old boy as they crossed the junction of Crwys Road and Malefant Street with two friends, who luckily managed to evade the vehicle. Although Fiteni and Newbury were acquitted of attempted murder charges against Mr. Jones and the teenager (referred to as Mr. Y), Newbury was found guilty of GBH, attempted GBH, and carrying a machete in public. He is scheduled to be sentenced next month.
The car attack was captured on footage obtained by WalesOnline, showing the brutal impact that threw the two victims into the air. Mr. Jones sustained injuries to his pelvis and right foot, while Mr. Y lost consciousness and suffered injuries to his jaw, ribs, chest, and abdomen. Fortunately, Prosecutor James Wilson noted that the injuries were not as catastrophic as they could have been.
Prior to the incident, Mr. Jones, Mr. Y, and a friend had booked an Airbnb on Bruce Street named the Comfortable Stay. Coincidentally, a booking had been made for Mr. Fiteni at the same address, where he stayed with Newbury. Tensions escalated when Newbury and another individual shouted threats at Mr. Y and Mr. Jones, leading the latter to drop off a bike at a friend’s place and return to the Airbnb later.
The prosecutor detailed that a black SUV arrived at Bruce Street before midnight with several men on board, some of whom brandished at least one “zombie-style” machete. Surveillance footage showed the men pursuing Mr. Jones and Mr. Y, who identified their pursuers as the same individuals who had verbally abused them earlier. The chase ended in the car ramming into the victims as they crossed the street, causing severe injuries.
While Fiteni, whose address is not listed, was cleared of all charges, Newbury, residing in Wern Goch West, Cardiff, awaits sentencing on April 11. Judge Jeremy Jenkins warned Newbury of the serious nature of the crimes, indicating a probable substantial custodial sentence. The court proceedings shed light on a disturbing chain of events that resulted in a violent and shocking attack on innocent pedestrians in Cardiff.