A man has been charged with manslaughter following the death of a Swindon victim more than a decade after a serious assault.
Wiltshire Police confirmed that Abuzer Erdem, 40, of Ferndale Road, has been charged in connection with an attack that took place in 2013.
On 1 April that year, Sam Rees, then aged 27, was assaulted in Old Town, suffering a significant head injury which left him requiring full-time care.
Erdem was previously convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm and served a 12-month prison sentence.
In December 2023, Mr Rees died, prompting police to reopen the case. Following further investigation, a manslaughter charge has now been brought.
Erdem has been released on conditional bail and is due to appear before Swindon Magistrates Court on 26 May.
The investigation has been led by the force’s Major Crime Investigation Team, with Detective Constable Jemma Humphreys describing the case as a tragic reminder of the long-term consequences of violence.
“This is a deeply sad case involving a young man who suffered life-changing injuries and later died,” she said. “It highlights the dangers associated with violence, particularly in the night-time economy.”
Police are urging people to consider the consequences of their actions and to walk away from situations that could escalate.
The case will now proceed through the courts.
