Daniel Peasnell, a 33-year-old father of four from the U.K., received a five-year prison sentence for grievous bodily harm after biting off part of a wedding guest’s finger during a drunken altercation in May 2023. The incident occurred outside his best friend Peter Green’s wedding in Oxfordshire, where Peasnell, serving as an usher, had been ejected following fights with his ex-girlfriend and venue staff fueled by heavy drinking.[ from prior context, aligning with reported details]
Incident Timeline
Peasnell demanded re-entry, sparking a brawl; Stephen Dixon, Green’s uncle, and his son intervened to restrain him until police arrived. In the struggle, Peasnell bit Dixon’s left middle finger so severely it fractured the bone and required partial amputation, with bodycam footage capturing the chaos and his subsequent threats to bite an officer’s nose.[ from prior context]
Court Sentencing
At Oxford Crown Court on December 18, Judge Ian Pringle KC rejected self-defense claims, calling Peasnell’s mouth a “highly dangerous weapon” and likening his behavior to a “wild animal.” Despite admitting affray and threats to police, Peasnell denied GBH; the judge emphasized his alcohol incompatibility, overriding remorse arguments from his defense.[ from prior context]
Aftermath and Context
Dixon suffered permanent injury, while Peasnell, previously of good character, faces family separation. The case highlights U.K. zero-tolerance for alcohol-fueled violence at events, with no appeals noted as of late 2025.
