A 33-year-old man from the United Kingdom has been handed a five-year prison sentence for a shocking act of violence at his best friend's wedding, which resulted in a guest losing part of his finger. The incident, described by a judge as behaving "like a wild animal," culminated in a conviction for grievous bodily harm.
A Celebration Turns Violent
The disturbing episode took place in May 2023 at the wedding of Peasnell's close friend, Peter Green, held at a venue called The Perch. Daniel Peasnell, who was serving as an usher, had been drinking heavily since breakfast on his birthday and continued consuming alcohol throughout the day. His behaviour grew increasingly disruptive during the reception, leading to a fight with his ex-girlfriend that got him ejected from the premises.
Angered by his removal, Peasnell clashed with the wedding organiser and demanded that the groom, Peter Green, come outside to speak with him. When it became evident he would not be allowed back inside, the situation escalated into a full-blown brawl outside the pub.
The Brutal Attack and Its Aftermath
In an attempt to restrain the violent guest until police could arrive, the groom's uncle, Stephen Dixon, along with Dixon's son, intervened. During the ensuing struggle, Peasnell bit Dixon's left hand with extreme force. The bite was so severe that it fractured the bone in Dixon's middle finger and completely severed the fingertip.
Despite immediate medical attention, doctors were unable to reattach the severed part, leading to a partial amputation. The chaotic scene was captured on police body-worn cameras, with bystanders heard shouting that a finger had been bitten off and officers urgently calling for an ambulance. Following his arrest, Peasnell was even heard threatening to bite off a police officer's nose.
Courtroom Reckoning and Sentencing
At the Oxford Crown Court on December 18, 2025, Daniel Peasnell, a father of four from Essex, was sentenced. He had denied causing grievous bodily harm, pleading self-defence, and instead admitted to affray and threatening a police officer. A jury rejected his version of events after a trial.
Judge Ian Pringle KC, while passing the five-year sentence, stated that Peasnell had used his teeth as "a highly dangerous weapon." The judge highlighted that alcohol was central to the violence, remarking, "Your big problem is that alcohol and you are incompatible."
In a victim impact statement, Stephen Dixon detailed the intense pain of the injury and the permanent consequences he now lives with due to the loss of part of his finger. Expressing remorse in court, Peasnell said he was ashamed of his actions and claimed he had stopped drinking alcohol, calling the incident the lowest point of his life.
