Two men involved in a violent brawl at a Black Country pub, which terrified children and bystanders, have avoided immediate jail time. Ion Mihai, 42, and Baceanu Titi, 25, were captured on CCTV during the incident at the Dog & Partridge on Brierley Hill's High Street, which began around 7pm on Saturday, June 21 last year.
Weapons Used in the Fracas
Wolverhampton Crown Court heard that Titi attempted to ram the beer garden gate with a large plank of wood, while Mihai tried to strike patrons with a training belt. A third co-accused, Sorinel Mihai, 37, who has a warrant out for his arrest, was seen throwing beer bottles. The disorder erupted in front of frightened young children and innocent bystanders, leading to the High Street being cordoned off by police.
Injuries and Impact
A woman suffered cuts to her arm from broken glass, and two other men were injured during the ordeal. Prosecutor Syed Ahmed stated that the defendants had been drinking and a disagreement over taking a beer glass outside led to an altercation with another customer. The defendants' behaviour was captured on CCTV and by a member of the public on their mobile phone.
Provocation and Sentencing
The court heard that before the melee, the defendants were attacked and subjected to racial abuse, which provoked them. Despite this, Judge Hobson emphasised that provocation does not justify such violence. Mihai and Titi, both of previous good character, each pleaded guilty to one count of affray. They were handed an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, 150 hours of unpaid work, and pay a victim surcharge. The weapons were forfeited and destroyed.
