Attackers who assaulted man in Bedford with metal bars, brooms and a brick put behind bars

And a brave witness who filmed the incident and tried to reason with the attackers has been praised for helping to bring them to justice.

The savage attack happened last summer when the victim went to an address in the town over a dispute about a mobile phone he had bought. The woman at the address called her friends to the house, including Daniel Lazar – who led the attack – Ioan Nusica, Anna-Maria Spiridon and Raducu Marian Visan.

Visan’s car and the victim’s van were involved in a collision when he arrived and group then smashed the victim’s windscreen before attacking him with brooms and metal bars while he attempted to fend them off.

Lazar led the attack and punched the victim in the face from behind, knocking him to ground. The group continued their assault as he lay defenceless on the ground, while Lazar threw a brick at the man’s head from close range. The victim suffered serious head and facial injuries, which required 52 staples in his head and two six-hour operations.

A witness filmed the incident and tried to stop the attack and calm the attackers down. Police say the footage was crucial to securing convictions.

Lazar, 36, of Hurst Grove, Bedford, was found guilty of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) and violent disorder.

On Thursday, February 23 at Luton Crown Court, he was handed an eight-year jail term for the GBH and three years for the violent disorder, which will be served at the same time. Nusica, 39, of Houghton Road, Bedford; Spiridon, 39, of St Augustine’s Road, Bedford, and Visan, 30, of Ombersley Road, Bedford, were all found guilty of wounding without intent to cause GBH and violent disorder. All three were sentenced to three years in prison for both offences, which will also be served at the same time. One more woman is still due to be sentenced over the incident.

DC Rebecca Crowley, from Bedfordshire Police CID, said: “This was a vicious attack which left the victim with serious injuries and needing extensive medical treatment. Throughout the investigation, the suspects continuously tried to cover up their actions and make up different events.”

DC Crowley thanked the witness: “Their courage has played a crucial role in bringing these offenders to justice.”