A man in the UK has been sentenced to five years in prison after biting off a guest’s finger at his best friend’s wedding. Daniel Peasnell, 33, was convicted of grievous bodily harm at Oxford Crown Court on December 18, following an incident in May 2023.
Peasnell, who is a father of four, got into a violent altercation with Stephen Dixon, his best friend’s uncle, during the wedding reception. The altercation reportedly escalated after Peasnell, who had been drinking throughout the day, was kicked out of the wedding for fighting with his ex-girlfriend. He then got into a confrontation with the wedding organizer and staff before things turned violent with Dixon. During the struggle, Peasnell bit off part of Dixon’s finger, causing serious injury.
Body-cam footage from the police showed the chaotic aftermath of the altercation. As officers arrived, one could be heard shouting, “He’s bit half his finger off!” Dixon’s injury was so severe that he required surgery, and part of his finger had to be amputated. According to the judge, Peasnell’s bite had broken Dixon’s bone and caused irreparable damage.
Peasnell had denied the charge of grievous bodily harm but admitted to other offenses, including fighting in a public place and threatening a police officer. After his arrest, he allegedly threatened to bite off an officer’s nose, warning, “Get off my arms or I will bite your f—— nose off.”
In court, the judge said Peasnell had been drinking heavily before and during the wedding, which fueled his aggression. The judge described Peasnell’s behavior as “like a wild animal” after being kicked out of the wedding. When he was unable to return, a fight broke out between him and Dixon, who, along with his son, tried to restrain Peasnell until police arrived. It was during this struggle that Peasnell bit Dixon’s finger.
Peasnell’s attorney argued that he was acting in self-defense, but the judge dismissed this, noting that Dixon was trying to free his hand when Peasnell used his teeth as a “highly dangerous weapon.”
In addition to the prison sentence, the judge told Peasnell that his actions showed how alcohol and his behavior were incompatible. “You say you are deeply ashamed and disgusted at how you acted,” the judge said, emphasizing the need for Peasnell to confront his issues with alcohol.
Demonic