Five men from Birmingham have been sentenced to a total of 16 years and 10 months in prison for a violent assault at Bristol Airport that witnesses initially believed was an act of terrorism. The attack, which occurred on the morning of February 21, involved armed men using bats and knives, leaving two victims injured.
Attack unfolded at airport pick-up point
Vladamir Stan, 52, Able Marin, 21, Florin Stan, 28, Constantin Stan, 29, and Emanuel-Ronaldo Dumitru, 27, arrived at Bristol Airport in separate vehicles and waited for their victims near the pick-up point at approximately 8.30am. When the two men, aged 21 and 37, entered a car, four different vehicles collided with them at the roundabout by the airport entrance on the A38.
The defendants, all from Birmingham, then exited their cars brandishing bats and attacked the two men. The 37-year-old sustained knife wounds to his legs, while the 21-year-old suffered cuts and bruises to his head and body.
Court hears of 'well organised' attack
During sentencing at the court, His Honour Judge Burgess described the attack as 'well organised' and 'coordinated', noting it caused 'serious fear and disruption' to other road users and holidaymakers. The judge recounted how witnesses believed it 'was a terrorist incident' or a 'car-jacking', describing the actions as 'fast-moving' and 'shocking'.
Police were called to the scene, but the defendants fled. They were located approximately 45 minutes later on Junction 9 (Tewkesbury) off the M5 northbound carriageway.
Police response and victim impact
DC Ryan Hurt, one of the investigating officers, said: "This attack was a serious incident that was targeted and planned, occurring during a Saturday morning at an airport with no thought for anyone else, including members of the public." He noted that the incident involved multiple departments, cooperation between three different forces, and numerous officers to respond.
DC Hurt added: "The carelessness of those involved has had damaging physical and psychological effects on the victims, one of whom is still receiving physiotherapy and trying to return to living a normal everyday life." He confirmed that the defendants and victims were known to each other and that there was no wider risk to the public.
In addition to violent disorder, Vladamir, Able, and Florin pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon, while Constantin also admitted to several shoplifting offences. The sentences handed down were: Vladamir Stan – three years and three months; Able Marin – three years and three months; Florin Stan – three years and three months; Constantin Stan – four years; and Emanuel-Ronaldo Dumitru – three years and one month.
DC Charlotte Couch, another officer in the case, said: "This is a welcomed result for this investigation. We are committed to taking robust action against offenders in violent disorder cases." She highlighted the significant impact on victims and witnesses, who believed at the time this was an active act of terror, and noted the significant resources dispatched to the incident. DC Couch concluded: "We hope the convictions secured highlights such violence will not be tolerated and will be taken seriously."
