Joe Cordina is cleared of assault after a judge rules the man he punched in Cardiff deliberately barged him first

District Judge Charlotte Murphy noted that police had told Joe Cordina his life was under threat just two weeks before the February clash in Pentwyn. She called his response 'a single, measured, controlled punch' and rejected any suggestion he was retaliating against Jamie O'Brien, 33. The incident had seen the 34-year-old refused entry to the US for a WBO lightweight title fight.

Jamie O'Brien had already pleaded guilty to a charge of assault by beating.

Cordina told the court he first thought O'Brien was a fan wanting a photograph.

'He had his hands in his pockets, I don't know what people carry,' Cordina said.