A family birthday celebration in Handsworth took a violent turn when Florin Viocu assaulted his cousin on January 10, leaving him with serious injuries. The 46-year-old, from Stockwell Road, Birmingham, punched his cousin in the face and kicked him while he was on the ground along Rookery Road, a court heard.
Viocu claimed the attack was in response to abusive behavior and spitting by his relative during their walk home, with both parties reportedly intoxicated. He admitted to assault occasioning actual bodily harm during his sentencing hearing at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on June 16.
The victim suffered a swollen and bruised eye and a grazed nose from the attack. Police officers who responded to reports of a shouting group found the injured and heavily intoxicated man, though he declined hospital treatment and was taken home.
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Following the assault, the victim reached out to Viocu via social media seeking an explanation. Viocu later sent threatening messages stating he intended to “break [the victim’s] legs and hands,” prompting the victim to involve the police.
During his police interview, Viocu accepted responsibility for the assault but maintained it was provoked by verbal abuse and spitting from the victim. He has no prior relevant criminal convictions.
Viocu’s solicitor informed the court that his client is unable to work due to a heart condition and acknowledged the possibility of a custodial sentence. The court adjourned the case until August 17 to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.