During a violent brawl at the Royal Oak pub in Cardiff, Covie Hallam-Rose, 26, gouged a man's eye and repeatedly punched a woman. The incident occurred on April 2, 2023, and resulted in significant injuries and damage.
Details of the Attack
Hallam-Rose, along with Molly Geoghegan, 27, Jack Trigg, 27, and Phillip Kavanagh, 35, were drinking at the pub when an argument broke out with a woman at another table. The argument escalated after a racial slur was used. Hallam-Rose approached the group despite attempts to restrain him, as he had 'completely lost it,' according to the court.
Geoghegan threw a drink and then a glass at the woman, escalating the fight. Hallam-Rose took Steven Nicholas to the floor and deliberately pressed his thumb into his left eye. Judge Daniel Williams described this as a 'needless and cynical act of violence.'
Further Violence and Damage
After being restrained, Hallam-Rose briefly left the pub but re-entered and attacked a middle-aged woman who had tried to calm Geoghegan down. The judge stated: 'First you delivered a forceful uppercut and reigned two blows upon this woman who is utterly defenceless.' Hallam-Rose and Trigg then left the pub but remained outside, throwing glasses and chairs at the door, causing extensive damage.
Phillip Kavanagh initially acted as a peacemaker but lost his temper and became involved in an altercation with Trigg. Geoghegan also threw punches at the woman who was later assaulted by Hallam-Rose.
Victim Impact
In a victim personal statement, Mr Nicholas said: 'Since this incident I haven't been out socialising as much as I used to do and I'm apprehensive if there are a lot of rowdy people around. I had three operations in April 2023, and my detached retina was repaired and the bleeding and lens from that eye was removed. I was released from hospital with medication and eye drops and a new lens was inserted to replace the damaged lens... I am worried something could happen to my good eye.'
Sentencing
Hallam-Rose, of Radyr Court Close, Llandaff, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm and affray. He was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment. Geoghegan, of Heol y Cadno, Thornhill; Trigg, of Kennilworth Court, Fairwater; and Kavanagh, of Bryn Heulog, Whitchurch, all pleaded guilty or were found guilty of affray.
Trigg was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with 250 hours unpaid work, a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement, and £500 costs. Geoghegan received nine months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with 160 hours unpaid work and a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement. Kavanagh was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with 180 hours unpaid work, a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement, a £1,000 fine, and £500 costs.
