Peterborough, England — Three men were sentenced this week following a violent, unprovoked attack that left one victim severely injured. The incident occurred last year outside a shop on Eastfield Road, where the attackers targeted two men in the early hours of July 24, 2024.
The victims were rushed to the hospital after the assault, prompting a swift response from armed police officers who apprehended the attackers at the scene. In a recent court hearing held at Cambridge Crown Court, the three men faced justice for their violent actions.
Bruno Cerquijcini, 46, received an 18-month prison sentence, which has been suspended for two years. The other two attackers, Dumitru Costache, 41, and Robert Cojocario, 47, who participated more actively in the assault, were sentenced to substantial prison terms after pleading guilty to serious charges including grievous bodily harm and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Costache was sentenced to three years and ten months, while Cojocario received a 10-month prison term. Cerquijcini admitted to possessing an axe during the attack and causing grievous bodily harm, albeit without intent. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing narrative, with one victim being knocked unconscious after a punch from Costache and then further assaulted while defenseless on the ground.
Detective Constable Lauren Easton of Cambridgeshire Police commented on the case, emphasizing the unprovoked nature of the attack and its lasting effects on the victims. “This was a completely unprovoked and violent attack that had a significant impact on the victims, both in the short term and long term,” she stated, highlighting the serious ramifications of such actions in the community.
The sentences underscore the judiciary’s stance on violent crimes and their intent to ensure public safety. Local residents expressed concern over the incident, which has raised questions about safety in the area. As the community grapples with the aftermath, police urge anyone who witnesses similar acts of violence to report them immediately, fostering a safer environment for all.