Seven men in court over barber shop turf war

Seven men have appeared in court charged in connection with anti-social behaviour outside a barber shop.

Newport Magistrates Court heard that the case centred on a “barbers’ turf war” on Blackwood’s High Street at about 14:45 GMT on 13 February.

The incident related to a disagreement about a new barber’s shop potentially opening in nearby Newbridge, the court heard.

It heard 16 people were involved, with a number of people injured, including one needing stitches for a stab wound.

Bave Hamed, 30, of Cwrt Bryn y Grug, Blackwood, Shahab Husseini, 24 of Clarence Street, Pontypool, Sardam Ebrahimi, 25 of Central Avenue, Oakdale and Bryar Muradi, 28, also of Central Avenue, Oakdale, appeared before magistrates on Monday, speaking only to confirm their names and dates of birth.

Paul Morris, their solicitor, said all intended to plead not guilty to a charge of violent disorder.

Alan Karimi, 30 of Malefant Street, Cardiff, Adnan Mohamad, 29 of Malefant Street, Cardiff and Krmanj Sadiq, 29 of Ferry Court, Cardiff also appeared in court on Monday, also speaking only to confirm their names and dates of birth.

Defence solicitor, Nathan Jones said the three intended to plead not guilty to the charge of violent disorder.

All were denied bail and will appear next at Newport Crown Court on 17 March.