Violent man swung chair at victim in wine bar but that was far from the end of his night out

Wales Online

08-07-2025

Violent man swung chair at victim in wine bar but that was far from the end of his night out
Callum Edwards, 24, punched, kicked and swung a chair at a man in the bar, before becoming involved in a high speed police chase the same evening
Callum Edwards, 24, assaulted a man at a wine bar by punching, kicking and swinging a chair at him.
(Image: Gwent Police )
A violent man wounded his victim who entered a wine bar with a group by punching and kicking him and throwing a chair at him while he was laying on the floor. Later that night he was involved in a high speed police chase and appeared to be under the influence.
Callum Edwards, 24, assaulted Alfie Watkins at the Wine Cellar in Blaenavon on March 30 last year. There was initially a scuffle between them before the defendant approached Mr Watkins a second time and attempted to swing a chair at him before smashing a glass on a table.
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A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday heard the victim and another man attempted to leave the bar but he was pulled back into the premises and ended up on the floor. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter.
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Prosecutor Bethan Evans said Edwards swung a chair at Mr Watkins while he was on the floor, and the victim then got up to hide behind the bar.
The defendant threw the liquid contents of a glass at Mr Watkins before following him behind the bar, where he punched and kneed him to his body and pulled him to the floor.
He then proceeded to punch and kick the victim until others intervened and pulled him away.
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Mr Watkins was taken to hospital where he was treated for extensive bruising and a wound to the spinal area of his back.
Later that evening, police observed a black Skoda Fabia being driven at high speed on the A4043 travelling in the direction of Blaenavon, and an attempt was made to stop the vehicle but the driver ignored this.
A pursuit lasting 21 minutes then ensued, covering a distance of 21 miles and ending in Cwmbran. During the journey, Edwards drove at excess speed and attempted to "bully" traffic in his way while driving on the wrong side of a roundabout.
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Motorists had to take evasive action in order to avoid a collision with the defendant's Skoda, but eventually a stinger device was used to puncture the vehicle's tyres.
Edwards made an attempt to flee from the car but he was Tasered by officers and detained. He smelt of intoxicants, his eyes were glazed over and he was unsteady on his feet.
He was asked to provide a breath sample to test for alcohol but he refused to do so on two occasions.
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There was a further police pursuit on October 18 last year when an attempt was made to stop the defendant who was driving a Volkswagen Scirocco with a broken headlight on the A4043 near Pontypool.
The vehicle reached speeds of 80mph in 20mph zones during the pursuit, as Edwards passed through red lights as he reached Abersychan.
The tyres of the Volkswagen were stung but the defendant continued to drive until they began disintegrating and he was driving on the rims.
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Edwards came to a stop in Avon Road, Blaenavon, and again fled from the car but was detained after crossing a river.
The defendant, of Coleridge Green, St Dials, Pontypool, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent, affray, two counts of dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen.
The court heard he had one previous conviction relating to driving offences.
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In mitigation, Tabitha Walker said her client had shown remorse for his behaviour, which was attributed to his use of alcohol and substance misuse. She said the defendant's father had died from alcoholism and he was working to address his issues.
Judge Richard Kember sentenced Edwards to a total of 50 months imprisonment and disqualified him from driving for three years.