Shocking police bodycam footage has revealed the aftermath of a horrific attack at an Oxfordshire wedding, where a best man bit off a guest's finger and later threatened to bite a police officer's nose off.
A Wedding Day Descends into Violence
Daniel Peasnell, a 33-year-old usher, was sentenced to five years in prison at Oxford Crown Court for the brutal assault on Saturday, 20 May 2023. The incident occurred at The Perch pub in Binsey, a picturesque venue near Oxford, where his lifelong friend Peter Green was celebrating his marriage.
Peasnell, who was also celebrating his 31st birthday, had begun drinking at breakfast. During the wedding reception, he became embroiled in a foul-mouthed argument with his then-girlfriend, Laura, calling her a whore. This led to him being ejected from the venue, an action he did not take kindly to.
The Animalistic Attack Captured on Camera
After his removal, Peasnell fought with the wedding organiser and a staff member. He then demanded that the groom, Peter Green, come outside to speak to him. When it became clear he would not be invited back inside, a fight broke out between the former friends.
The groom's uncle, Stephen Dixon, along with his son Fred, attempted to restrain Peasnell until police arrived. As Mr Dixon held him down, Peasnell spotted his finger and bit down with such force that he broke the bone. In court, prosecutors said he used his mouth as a 'dangerous weapon'.
Police body-worn video captures the chaotic moments after the bite. A man can be heard shouting, "He's bit half his finger off!" followed by a woman screaming. An officer is later heard radioing for an ambulance, stating someone's finger had been bitten off. Peasnell is seen sitting on the pavement with blood on his shirt, muttering, "I don't know what I've done wrong... Who have I assaulted?"
Lasting Injuries and a Five-Year Sentence
The consequences for Stephen Dixon were severe and permanent. He lost part of one finger and had to have another part amputated the following day. The top of the finger was recovered from the scene. The court heard that Mr Dixon could no longer play the drums and had lost work due to the injury.
Peasnell's violence did not end there. While being treated for his own injuries in hospital, his anger had not subsided. He turned to a police officer and threatened: "Get off my arms or I will bite your f***ing nose off."
Judge Ian Pringle KC, sentencing, told Peasnell: "Your big problem is to realise that alcohol and you are incompatible. Using your teeth as you did was using them as a weapon." The judge described the wedding as a 'tremendous success' and a 'really lovely' day before Peasnell's actions.
Peasnell, originally from Essex, had denied grievous bodily harm with intent but was convicted after a trial. He previously admitted affray and using threatening words or behaviour towards a police officer. His defence barrister, Jonathan Coode, said Peasnell was full of remorse and embarrassment, admitting he'd had a 'skinful' to drink and referencing an element of 'excessive self-defence'. The court heard he is no longer drinking and has a fifth child due.
