A night of celebration in Cardiff’s bustling city centre quickly descended into violence and chaos after a woman, heavily intoxicated following a wedding, attacked several individuals, leaving a trail of injuries in her wake. The incident unfolded in the early hours of Sunday, June 23, 2024, on St Mary Street – one of the busiest streets in the capital.
Amy Parker, a 34-year-old warehouse worker originally from South Wales and now residing in Weston-super-Mare, had spent hours consuming alcohol at a friend’s wedding before making her way into the city. Witnesses described how, after a disagreement late in the evening, Parker targeted a group of four siblings and their partners.
During her sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court on 29 May 2025, the court heard harrowing details of the unprovoked violence. Prosecutor Andrew Davies reported that Parker launched a series of attacks: striking one victim in the face, knocking another to the ground before dragging her by the hair and tearing out clumps, and headbutting a third so forcefully that he lost a tooth and was left covered in blood.
The incident, which played out in full view of passers-by on the packed high street, quickly drew the attention of South Wales Police. Officers arrived at the scene promptly and arrested Parker, who remained unable to recall the details of the assault due to her inebriation. The catastrophic injuries prompted three victims to pursue charges against the defendant.
In a hearing that explored not only the violence but the circumstances behind it, Parker’s defence barrister, Harry Baker, brought up her recent bereavement and mounting mental health struggles after losing her mother. Baker noted that Parker had acknowledged her actions and sought counselling, suggesting this demonstrated some degree of remorse and proactive behaviour.
Financial repercussions of the rampage added to the distress for one victim, who learned the repair for his dental injuries could cost several thousand pounds. As an interim solution, he has already spent £670 to make temporary repairs while saving for more permanent treatment.
The topic of compensation emerged during sentencing. Judge David Payne queried whether Parker might be able to compensate victims using equity from a property reportedly bequeathed by her late mother. However, the court learned that any property left was shared among several individuals, limiting Parker’s resources. The court settled on a compensation plan, whereby Parker must pay £670 for injuries and £770 in prosecution costs, repaid in monthly instalments.
Parker’s previous conviction for drink-driving was also cited. Judge Payne ultimately imposed a sentence of one year’s imprisonment, suspended for two years, reflecting both the seriousness of the assaults and Parker’s circumstances. She was ordered to perform 200 hours of unpaid community work as part of her sentence.
This case highlights not only the devastating consequences that can arise from excessive drinking but also the ripple effects on victims and the justice system. While Parker’s actions left lasting physical and emotional scars, efforts at restitution and rehabilitation form part of the court’s response, reflecting the balance often sought between punishment and offering offenders a path to reform.
As Cardiff continues to attract revellers from far and wide, this incident stands as a grim reminder of the volatility alcohol can bring to celebratory occasions. The city’s officials, as well as concerned citizens, are likely to view the case as a call for renewed focus on safety and responsible behaviour during nights out on the town.