A dog groomer was assaulted by the husband of a rival business owner outside an awards ceremony in Wales after beating them to the top prize. CCTV footage captured Adrian Bolton, 56, running after Julian Sandy, 47, and repeatedly punching him outside the Best of Welsh Business Awards at the Flint Mountain Park Hotel on June 18, 2025.
Mr Sandy, owner of Woofterz Dog Grooming, had won the pet services category, defeating Mr Bolton's wife's business, Paws n Relax, and six other firms. While celebrating, Mr Sandy said Mr Bolton approached him in the courtyard and 'asked for a word'. 'Suddenly, out of nowhere, he was hitting me in the head and kicking me and twisting my thumb and not letting go,' Mr Sandy said.
The attack left Mr Sandy with a snapped joint and chipped bone in his thumb, preventing him from working for 12 weeks. He lost £12,000 in earnings and spent £6,000 in savings on living expenses. He also suffered bruising to his jaw and kidney area, struggling to eat for weeks. Mr Sandy said he may require surgery and could be forced to give up dog grooming due to ongoing pain.
Mr Bolton admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and was ordered to do unpaid work at Mold Magistrates Court on February 27. In a victim impact statement, Mr Sandy said he still suffers daily pain and takes constant pain relief, adding: 'I will have to live everyday with the effects of physical pain and mental trauma for an unforeseeable amount of time.'
Mr Sandy noted that while he faced financial hardship, Mr Bolton's wife's salon posted on social media about a holiday in Dubai. He said he had to send clients to rival groomers, including Paws n Relax, during his recovery.
