The wedding celebration at The Perch pub descended into shocking violence when an usher, fueled by alcohol, refused to leave after causing a disturbance. What began as an attempt to peacefully remove him quickly spiraled into a terrifying ordeal for those present.
The situation escalated when Daniel Peasnell demanded to speak with the groom’s friend, Peter Green. Though Green attempted to reason with him, Peasnell’s behavior was described as “like a wild animal,” and any hope of a calm resolution vanished as anger took hold.
A physical altercation erupted, and as police arrived, Peasnell’s actions took a horrific turn. He seized upon a vulnerable moment, locking onto the finger of Peter Green’s uncle, Stephen Dixon, and bit down with brutal force.
Dixon’s agonizing screams – captured on video – echoed through the pub: “He’s biting my f*cking finger!” The bite was so severe it shattered bone, causing unimaginable pain. The top of Dixon’s ring finger was severed completely, landing on the floor.
Despite desperate attempts by surgeons to reattach the finger, the damage was too extensive. Dixon ultimately required a partial amputation of his middle finger, a permanent consequence of the unprovoked attack. His livelihood as a construction worker, and his beloved hobby of playing the drums, were both jeopardized.
The chaos didn’t end there. While receiving medical attention, Peasnell even threatened a police officer, vowing to bite his nose off if restrained. He was later convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent, despite claiming remorse.
The court heard arguments from the defense regarding Peasnell’s struggles with alcohol, characterizing it as a night where he’d consumed “a skinful.” However, the judge dismissed this as a significant understatement, recognizing a deeper, more problematic relationship with alcohol.
Judge Pringle delivered a stark sentence of five years in prison, emphasizing the deliberate and weaponized nature of Peasnell’s attack. “Using your teeth as you did was using them as a weapon,” she stated, highlighting the severity of his actions and the incompatibility between Peasnell and alcohol.
The judge acknowledged Peasnell’s expressed shame, but stressed the critical need for him to confront his dependence. The wedding, intended as a joyous occasion, became a harrowing reminder of the destructive power of unchecked aggression and the devastating consequences of alcohol-fueled violence.
