In a shocking incident in Garden City, Flintshire, a group of four men armed with weapons stormed a house, leaving a man severely harmed. The attackers, carrying a machete and a shovel, broke in while the victim was sleeping and inflicted significant injuries. The commotion woke Alexandru Martocsan, who managed to briefly escape but was caught and brutally beaten outside. His injuries were severe, including fractures to his jaw and nose, and a deep cut on his leg.
The attackers, identified as Richard Unwin, Levi Matthews, Sean Devonport, and a now 20-year-old Hayden Matthews, admitted to charges of aggravated burglary. Mold Crown Court heard that the assault was an act of “retribution” following an earlier altercation. Despite attempting to barricade his room, the intruders forced their way in and launched their vicious attack.
Police arrived swiftly, but not before the damage was done, leaving Mr Martocsan with severe facial injuries and wounds that required immediate medical attention. A CT scan later revealed the extent of the physical assault, including serious facial fractures.
The court sentenced Unwin and Levi Matthews to over seven years each, while Devonport received a five-and-a-half year sentence. Hayden Matthews’s sentencing is set for next month. During the proceedings, defence lawyers acknowledged the devastating impact of alcohol on the defendants’ actions. Unwin, a father of seven, recognised the wrongfulness of his actions, while Levi Matthews and Oliver King, speaking for Devonport, portrayed their clients’ conduct as reckless and fuelled by alcohol.
The judge condemned their actions, highlighting the premeditated nature of the attack and the unnecessary violence used. This frightening incident underlines the grave consequences of alcohol-fuelled decisions and the severe impact such violence has on victims and their communities.