Florin Viocu, 46, of Stockwell Road, Birmingham, has pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm after attacking his cousin following a family birthday party in Handsworth. The assault occurred on January 10 in Rookery Road, leaving the victim with a swollen, bruised eye and a grazed nose.
Details of the assault
Prosecuting at Birmingham Magistrates' Court, Ms Butler described the incident: "There were some words exchanged and the defendant then punched him in the face. He ended up on the floor and he does say that the defendant then kicked him to the face." Police discovered the heavily intoxicated victim after spotting a group of men shouting in the street. Officers encouraged him to go to hospital but ultimately took him home when he refused treatment.
Social media threats escalate the case
The situation worsened when Viocu later threatened his cousin via social media. "But then there was further contact from the defendant to say 'I'm going to beat you up again, I will break your legs and hands,'" Ms Butler added. Viocu claimed he was provoked, telling police his cousin had been "abusive to him" and "spitting at people" during the family gathering.
Court outcome and next steps
Viocu pleaded guilty at Tuesday's hearing. The case was adjourned until August 17 for a pre-sentence report to be prepared. He faces potential imprisonment for the attack, which left his relative with visible injuries and ongoing fear of further violence.
