In a recent court case in Cardiff, Johnathan Newbury, 33, and Elliott Fiteni, 23, were found not guilty of attempted murder following an altercation over an Airbnb rental. The incident involved the two accused individuals ramming Abdalrhman Ali and Ryan Jones with a black SUV in the Cathays area of Cardiff. Despite being acquitted of the attempted murder charge, Newbury was found guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm and attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm on the victims.
During the trial at Cardiff Crown Court, it was revealed that Mr. Ali and Mr. Jones were pedestrians who were targeted in a car attack as they crossed the junction of Crwys Road and Malefant Street. CCTV footage presented in court showed the collision, which resulted in injuries to the victims, although they were not as severe as they could have been. The prosecutor, James Wilson, mentioned that the injuries sustained were fortunately not as catastrophic as they could have been.
The events leading up to the incident involved verbal altercations and threats exchanged between the victims and the defendants. It was reported that racial slurs and threats were shouted through a window by Newbury and another individual towards Mr. Ali and Mr. Jones. Following these exchanges, a black SUV arrived at the location with several individuals, some of whom were reportedly carrying weapons, including a “zombie-style” machete.
The situation escalated further as the men chased Mr. Jones and Mr. Ali, leading to a confrontation where the victims were hit by the SUV as they crossed a street. Mr. Jones suffered injuries to his pelvis and right foot, while Mr. Ali lost consciousness and sustained injuries to his jaw, ribs, chest, and abdomen. The court heard testimony identifying Newbury as being in the SUV during the incident.
After deliberation, the jury returned their verdicts, finding Newbury guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm, and possession of a bladed article. However, he was acquitted of two counts of attempted murder and racially aggravated harassment. Fiteni, the other accused individual, was found not guilty of all charges against him.
The sentencing for Newbury was adjourned to April 11, where the judge expressed the seriousness of the offenses and the potential for a substantial period of immediate custody. The court proceedings shed light on the violent confrontation that took place, resulting in injuries to the victims and legal consequences for the individuals involved.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of resolving disputes peacefully and the potential consequences of resorting to violence. The judicial system’s handling of such incidents underscores the need for accountability and justice in ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in society.