In a shocking incident at a Cardiff Londis, Jan Korzewski, 42, randomly punched a woman at the till while blackout drunk. The victim, Elisha Thomas, was left with a chipped tooth and some facial reddening after the unprovoked attack. Korzewski claimed he couldn’t remember the assault, which took place on his birthday, due to excessive vodka consumption following an argument with his wife.
Korzewski, who has no prior assault convictions but a history of 21 offences, expressed deep remorse after seeing the CCTV footage. His solicitor explained that Korzewski had been under significant stress, being a primary carer for his wife, which led him to turn to alcohol.
In court, he received an 18-month community order, a nine-month alcohol treatment programme, 20 rehabilitation days, and was required to pay £250 compensation and a £120 fine. When sentencing, Presiding Justice Norman Craggs advised him, “For your next birthday, get a bag of Smarties.”
The unusual suggestion was met with laughter, highlighting a moment of levity in an otherwise serious proceeding. This incident reminds us that stress and alcohol can be a dangerous mix, emphasising the importance of support and intervention.