Dylan Richards, 25, began fighting with members of door staff at a wedding reception where his girlfriend was bridesmaid
A wedding descended into chaos after a guest bit a doorman’s finger and started throwing punches before he was removed from the premises after the bride got involved.
Dylan Richards, 25, was attending a wedding reception at Ridgeway golf club on the outskirts of Cardiff on July 29 with his girlfriend, who was one of the bridesmaids. He became involved in a “violent exchange” with door staff at the venue before he was removed.
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday heard there was a further scuffle during which the defendant struck blows on a doorman and bit his hand.
Others attempted to separate them, and the bride became involved in an attempt to prevent the incident from escalating. During the melee Richards removed his shirt and grabbed hold of a pint glass before he was restrained. His behaviour continued after the police arrived and he was arrested.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Matthew Porter-Bryant said: “This occurred during what was supposed to be a celebration and it was also an occasion where you were to meet your partner’s wider family for the first time.”
Richards, of High Street, Tonyrefail, was found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray following a trial. The court heard he has a previous conviction for criminal damage.
In a victim personal statement read to the court by prosecutor Emily Jermin, doorman Kallum Phillips said: “I still feel the effects of what happened. I am a lot more nervous to work and keep my guard up.”
Mr Phillips said the fact the defendant bit him and came into contact with an open wound left him feeling “disgusting”.
In mitigation, Tabitha Walker said her client has “genuine remorse” and described the incident as “out of character”. Ms Walker said her client had not offended since the incident.
Judge Porter Bryant sentenced Richards to a 24-month community order and ordered him to carry out 160 hours unpaid work and pay £500 in compensation.
Source – Wales Online
