Newport thug breaks pensioner’s hip in queue dispute

A 20-year-old Newport man has been sentenced after a shocking assault on a 70-year-old outside B&Q in Cwmbran. 🚨

Alec Edmunds pushed pensioner Gwynfor Williams to the ground during an unprovoked attack at the Lockgate Retail Park when he “snapped” after believing others were queue-jumping at a burger van.

The incident, which occurred around midday on Wednesday, June 5 last year, left Mr Williams requiring hip replacement surgery.

Cardiff Crown Court heard that Edmunds became abusive to another customer when Mr Williams intervened and told him to calm down.

Prosecutor Leah Pollard said: “Mr Edmunds told him, ‘What the f*** has it got to do with you?’ He then pushed Mr Williams to the chest and he fell to the ground. The defendant shouted at him, ‘You want a piece of me? I will have you.'”

An off-duty police officer witnessed the altercation and immediately arrested Edmunds, with dash cam footage showing the officer taking the defendant to the ground.

In his victim impact statement, Mr Williams said: “It was a terrifying ordeal which has not only affected me physically but psychologically. I live this incident over and over.”

The court heard how the victim is now unable to walk unaided and has lost thousands of pounds after being forced to give up his work as a freelance musician playing piano and organ at functions.

Edmunds, of Wye Crescent, Bettws, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm. He has one previous conviction for dangerous driving, driving without insurance, and driving without a licence from August 2, 2024.

Defence barrister Hilary Roberts stated: “This was a spontaneous, impulsive and short-lived assault – it was one push. He has expressed his remorse to me. He can’t explain why he snapped in the way he did.”

She added that Edmunds suffers from anxiety and depression and has himself been the victim of an assault.

Recorder Andrew Hammond told the defendant: “This was a wholly unprovoked attack. You shoved Mr Williams who had done absolutely nothing to deserve it. You are a headstrong young man who has difficulty in controlling your temper.”

Edmunds was sentenced to 14 months in a young offender institution, suspended for 18 months. He must also complete a mental health treatment programme for 12 sessions, a 10-day rehabilitation requirement, and pay a £300 fine. ⚖️