Peterborough, England — Three men have received prison sentences following a vicious, unprovoked attack that resulted in serious injuries to two victims. The incident occurred outside a shop on Eastfield Road in July of last year.
Bruno Cerquijcini, Dumitru Costache, and Robert Cojocario were apprehended after the assault, which left one individual with fractured eye sockets and significant lacerations to the head. The attack unfolded in the early hours of July 24, 2024, and both victims required hospitalization.
During a hearing at Cambridge Crown Court on July 2, the defendants faced the consequences of their violent actions. Cerquijcini, 46, received an 18-month prison sentence, which has been suspended for two years. In contrast, Costache, 41, was sentenced to three years and ten months, while 47-year-old Cojocario was given a ten-month prison term after both admitted to charges of grievous bodily harm and assault.
The brutal encounter began when the first victim, accompanied by a woman, was suddenly attacked. Costache first struck the individual in the face, and after he fell unconscious, Cojocario further assaulted him. Witnesses report that Costache continued to kick the victim while on the ground, and Cerquijcini was found to have struck him with an axe, escalating the severity of the attack.
The severity of the injuries prompted a swift response from law enforcement. Armed officers arrested the three men shortly after the incident, bringing a sense of relief to the community shaken by the attack.
Detective Constable Lauren Easton of Cambridgeshire Police emphasized the serious impact the assault had on the victims, stating it was a “completely unprovoked and violent attack.” She highlighted the emotional and physical toll such acts of aggression can impose on individuals and their families, noting that the effects can linger long after the physical wounds have healed.
As the community processes the ramifications of this brutal event, local authorities continue to urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence and the necessity of addressing such actions to ensure public safety.