Two brothers from Royal Wootton Bassett have been sentenced following a shocking assault on a road worker who was simply doing his job during a road closure.
The incident happened on 28th March 2023 at the junction of Station Road and High Street, when 38‑year‑old Jamiel Latif, working as a delivery driver, reacted angrily after being told he could not drive through the closure. Rather than turn back, he ignored the instructions, drove through the roadworks, and pulled over a short distance away.
Moments later, a second vehicle arrived, driven by his brother, 38‑year‑old Shakiel Latif. Both men got out and confronted the road worker – a man in his fifties who had been calmly managing traffic restrictions.
What followed was an unprovoked and deeply distressing scene. Shakiel tried to punch the victim but missed, while Jamiel struck him hard to the side of the head. The impact knocked the road worker briefly unconscious and caused life‑changing injuries to his eye.
Police launched a full investigation. Jamiel Latif later admitted to grievous bodily harm. Appearing at Swindon Crown Court on Wednesday 16th July, he was handed an 18‑month prison sentence, suspended for two years, ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work, and instructed to pay £750 compensation to the victim. He also admitted possession of a Class A drug and received a six‑month conditional discharge.
Shakiel Latif pleaded guilty to common assault and was fined £120.
Speaking after the hearing, Royal Wootton Bassett Neighbourhood Sergeant Kate Isaac said: “This was a nasty and unjustifiable attack by two men on someone carrying out his work within our community. The victim has been left with permanent injuries and this case highlights how one act of violence can change lives forever.”
