A man has been sentenced to five years in prison after a violent drunken rampage at his best friend's wedding culminated in him biting off part of a guest's finger.
A Wedding Day Descends into Chaos
Daniel Peasnell, 33, had been invited to act as an usher at the wedding of his friend, Peter Green, at the historic Oxfordshire inn, The Perch, in December 2025. However, the day took a dark turn when Peasnell began drinking from breakfast time and continued heavily throughout the proceedings.
Although the ceremony itself was described in court as a 'tremendous success', Peasnell's behaviour deteriorated. He became involved in a heated argument with his then-girlfriend, during which he shouted abuse at her. This led to him being asked to leave the venue.
Violent Outburst and a Vicious Attack
After being ejected, Peasnell became aggressive, attacking both the wedding organiser and a member of staff. He then demanded to speak to the groom, Peter Green, outside. Mr Green later told the court that Peasnell was 'behaving like a wild animal'.
When it became clear he would not be allowed back inside, a fight broke out. Police were called, and during the ensuing struggle, the groom's uncle, Stephen Dixon, attempted to restrain Peasnell by holding him down.
Judge Pringle, sentencing, described the shocking moment of the attack: 'Just as the police were arriving, you saw his finger and bit on it with all your force. You bit so hard it broke his bone.'
Mr Dixon was heard screaming, 'He's biting my f*cking finger!' The top of his ring finger was severed completely and was later found at the scene. Surgeons managed to reattach it, but due to the severe fracture, part of his middle finger had to be amputated.
Lasting Consequences and Sentencing
The court heard the profound impact on Mr Dixon, a construction worker. He lost income due to being unable to work and can no longer pursue his hobby of playing the drums.
Even after being detained, Peasnell's aggression continued. While receiving treatment for his own injuries in hospital, he threatened a police officer, saying: 'Get off my arms or I will bite your f*cking nose off'.
Peasnell, a father-of-four, denied grievous bodily harm with intent but was convicted earlier this year. He admitted charges of affray and using threatening behaviour towards a police officer. His defence claimed he was 'full of remorse' and had a poor relationship with alcohol.
Sentencing him to five years, Judge Pringle stated: 'Your big problem is to realise that alcohol and you are incompatible. Using your teeth as you did was using them as a weapon.' The judge added that Peasnell's claim to have drunk a 'skinful' was an underestimation of his actions that day.
