Armed mob’s ‘scene of violence’ in street after woman’s threat

A vicious armed mob attacked a woman’s family and smashed her car up after she told them she was going to call social services. The trio, laden with a glass and a wooden plank, caused a “scene of violence” and made threats to kill their victim, after one of them had bumped into her outside a shop and an altercation ensued.

Defendent Sinead Feneck said to the victim, Zoe Hall: “I am going to kill you if you grass me up to social services” before threatening to throw a glass bottle at her car.

The 28-year-old added: “Watch in the next five minutes.” Then Feneck, her partner Kyle O’Callaghan, 27, and Jordan Hull, 26, went to Ms Hall’s home in Cardiff where the street scenes erupted. Zara Hall, the victim’s sister, saw O’Callaghan smashing up her car and went outside and began to record them.

Prosecutor Byron Broadstock told Merthyr Tydfill Crown Court that Adam Hall also went outside where he was confronted by O’Callaghan who threw a punch at Zara Hall. O’Callaghan then struck Mr Hall’s head several times with the glass, causing a cut to the back of his head.

Wales Online reports that Hull, who was wearing black clothing and a balaclava, picked up a piece of wood from the floor and used it in a threatening manner before chasing members of the Hall family.

Feneck was described as shouting threats of violence, saying: “Come here – I want to fight you now. I’ll rip your heads off.”

The violent trio then left the scene with O’Callaghan causing further damage to Ms Hall’s car. The value of the damage caused to the car was £1,293.

A video of the incident was played at the sentencing hearing. Feneck, O’Callaghan, and Hall, from Cardiff, all pleaded guilty to affray.

READ MORE: SNP election chief accused of ‘Putin apology’ Tweets

O’Callaghan also pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault by beating, and criminal damage. O’Callaghan was also to be sentenced for possessing a bladed article on July 14 when he was chased by police from a Tesco store in Cardiff and was seen to throw a machete over a wall.

The court heard O’Callaghan had previous convictions for wounding, criminal damage, and possession of a bladed article. Feneck has previous convictions for battery, assault by beating, and attempted criminal damage.

Hull has previous convictions for public order offences, criminal damage, possession of a bladed article, battery, theft, robbery, assault by beating, and battery.

In mitigation Derrick Gooden, for O’Callaghan, said his client was remorseful and had been remanded in custody for six months where he has undertaken courses and works as a painter.

Hashim Salmman, for Feneck, said probation had recommended an alternative to custody. Hannah Friedman, for Hull, said her client was “sorry” for the fear and hurt he had caused.

Since his remand in custody he has become a father to a son and had been unable to receive physiotherapy after breaking numerous bones due to a fall.

Sentencing, Recorder Greg Bull KC said: “Each of you played a part in a scene of violence in a Cardiff street which was wholly unnecessary. Tempers got out of control.”

O’Callaghan was given a 21 month prison sentence. Hull was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment. Feneck was sentenced to a 24-month community order. She must also carry out 19 sessions of an accredited programme and a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement.