A man from Rodbourne has been sentenced to nearly five years behind bars following a violent and unprovoked assault on a South Swindon Parish Council worker.
The attack, which took place in the Broadgreen area on 9th September 2023, saw 25-year-old Zak Nicholson, of Westbourne Court, Jennings Street, repeatedly strike a street cleaner in his 50s with an extendable baton. The victim, who was carrying out his duties at the time, sustained serious head injuries, though thankfully they were not life-changing.
Nicholson was joined by his cousin, 42-year-old Linval Nicholson, who also took part in the incident by chasing the victim, hurling abuse, swinging a rucksack, and spraying an unknown liquid. The entire assault was caught on CCTV, and both men were swiftly apprehended by local officers.
Appearing at Swindon Crown Court on 2nd April, Zak Nicholson pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm (section 18), possession of an offensive weapon, and driving without a licence or insurance. He was sentenced to four years and eleven months in prison, alongside a victim surcharge of £228.
Linval Nicholson admitted to common assault and was handed a 14-day custodial sentence, with a £154 victim surcharge.
Detective Constable Saunders of the Swindon Local Policing Tasking Team said:
“This was an unprovoked and violent act on a council worker, who feared for his life. Attacks on those who serve our community will never be accepted. I want to thank the victim for his courage during what was undoubtedly a harrowing ordeal. His cooperation played a vital role in securing this conviction.”
South Swindon Parish Council’s Vice-Chair, Rebecca Banwell-Moore, also responded to the sentencing, stating: “This was a deeply traumatic attack on one of our parish street cleaners – someone who works hard every day to keep our streets clean. No one should be subjected to violence at work. We are relieved justice has been done and remain steadfast in supporting all our employees.”
This incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by those who work to maintain public spaces – often without recognition – and the need for continued support, both from the public and local authorities, to ensure their safety.
