A 39-year-old man has been charged in connection with a violent assault that took place in Swindon town centre at the end of January.
Matthew McKechnie, who is of no fixed abode, has been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent following an incident on The Parade at approximately 1.25pm on Monday 29th January. The victim, a man in his 60s, sustained a significant leg and ankle injury during the assault, prompting an emergency response from Wiltshire Police and local paramedics.
McKechnie appeared before Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 7th February, where the matter was sent to Swindon Crown Court for a full plea hearing, scheduled for 7th March. In the meantime, he has been granted bail.
The alleged assault happened in broad daylight in one of the town centre’s busiest pedestrian zones. Police cordoned off part of the area while forensic teams carried out their investigation and officers took statements from several members of the public.
The charge of grievous bodily harm with intent is considered a serious offence under English law and, if convicted, carries the potential for a lengthy custodial sentence. The upcoming court appearance is expected to confirm McKechnie’s plea and determine the next steps in the legal process.
Wiltshire Police have not yet issued a public appeal for further witnesses but have urged anyone with direct footage or information relating to the incident to get in touch via their non-emergency contact number or through Crimestoppers.
