Key Points
- Six men were sentenced at Oxford Crown Court for their roles in street violence, weapon offences, and dangerous driving across Oxford.
- An initial fight outside Hank’s Bar on Queen Street left a man in his twenties with a facial injury.
- A meeting at South Park intended to resolve the dispute escalated when armed individuals arrived carrying a sword and a wooden club.
- Romario Qatja drove a car into a group of pedestrians on St Clement’s Street, breaking one man’s leg and injuring another.
- Penalties handed down ranged from a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence to suspended terms, community orders, and driving bans.
Oxford (Oxford Daily) October 27, 2026 — Six men have been sentenced at Oxford Crown Court after a series of violent altercations across the city culminate in weapon possession and a vehicular attack.
As reported by Albert Tate of Oxford Mail, the convictions stem from an extensive investigation led by Thames Valley Police into street brawls and dangerous driving.
The court proceedings conclude following a near month-long trial involving multiple defendants connected to the violent disorder.
What Led to the Violent Escalation in Oxford City Centre?
The incident began at approximately 3:00 am on September 13, when an altercation broke out outside Hank’s Bar on Queen Street, Oxford. Two men and a group of six others were involved in a physical brawl, during which a man in his twenties suffered a cut to his face.
Later that evening, at around 9:00 pm, the opposing groups agreed to convene at South Park to arrange a formal apology. However, the meeting deteriorated when additional individuals arrived, several of whom were armed with weapons including a sword and a wooden club.
“The public should not have to be subjected to young men like you fighting in the street at night, whether that be because of alcohol or any other reason.” — Judge Ian Pringle KC, Oxford Crown Court
Following the failed resolution, the victim of the earlier facial injury left South Park at approximately 10:30 pm alongside several associates, walking toward St Clement’s Street.
How Did the Vehicular Attack Unfold on St Clement’s Street?
While walking along St Clement’s Street, the group encountered rival individuals who entered a motor vehicle. Driver Romario Qatja directed the vehicle at speed toward the pedestrian group.
One pedestrian managed to leap out of the way, sustaining minor injuries, while another man in his twenties was struck directly, suffering a broken leg. Qatja subsequently reversed the vehicle toward the injured victim on the ground but missed before fleeing the scene.
On the same evening, CCTV captured Samyan Khdir and Eyub Hussani carrying a sword and a long piece of timber along Rectory Road. Police officers arrested Qatja two days later before formally charging him.
What Punishments Were Handed Down by Oxford Crown Court?
Judges at Oxford Crown Court issued varying penalties depending on each defendant’s involvement.
Romario Qatja was convicted of dangerous driving and affray, receiving a sentence of two-and-a-half years in prison. Qatja was additionally handed a driving ban lasting two years and ten months, alongside a mandate to pass an extended driving retest before regaining licence privileges.
Arger Poleshi, aged 21, of no fixed abode, received a total custodial sentence of one year and three months for two counts of affray—comprising six months for the Queen Street brawl and nine consecutive months for a separate disturbance on Cowley Road.
Indrit Ndoj, aged 35, of St Martin’s Road, Oxford, was given a six-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months and ordered to perform 120 hours of unpaid work.
Armanto Tzourtzi, aged 24, of no fixed abode, received a six-month sentence suspended for two years, coupled with 120 hours of unpaid community service.
Samyan Khdir, aged 21, of Poplar High Street, London, was sentenced to six months in prison suspended for two years, alongside a 12-month probation requirement.
Eyub Hussani, aged 26, of Warley Avenue, Dagenham, received a two-year community order with attached probation conditions for carrying an offensive weapon.
“We will be relentless in our pursuit of those involved in serious violence and we are working tirelessly with our partners to protect our communities.” — Thames Valley Police Spokesperson
Background of the Development
This judicial outcome follows an extensive investigation led by Thames Valley Police targeting late-night anti-social behavior, gang activity, and weapon usage across Oxford urban centers.
Night-time economy venues across Queen Street and surrounding nightlife districts have previously faced scrutiny regarding public safety during early morning hours. The escalation from city center venues to public spaces such as South Park highlights ongoing challenges facing local law enforcement in containing targeted group conflicts before they spill into residential zones.
Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Local Communities and Nightlife
This court decision is anticipated to directly impact several key demographics across the Oxford area:
- Local Residents and Nightlife Patrons: Enhanced judicial penalties and public statements from Thames Valley Police signal stricter policing around nightlife corridors like Queen Street and Cowley Road. Patrons may notice an increased presence of uniformed officers during peak weekend hours.
- Licensing Authorities and Local Businesses: Venues operating in central Oxford could face tighter security protocols or revised licensing requirements to curb late-night altercations outside commercial premises.
- Road Safety and Pedestrians: Strict driving disqualifications and custodial terms for vehicular offences reinforce precedent regarding the use of automobiles as weapons in public altercations, contributing to public deterrence.
