A man accused of robbery faces a possible murder charge after his alleged victim dies in hospital.
The man was rushed to hospital after he was found critically injured in Beechcroft Road, in the Meadowcroft area of Swindon, on the morning of Friday 28 January.
Ten days following the incident, Martin Brown, aged in his 50s, was pronounced dead on 7 Febuary – after he spent time on life support.
Police believe the violent robbery, which allegedly saw the preparator take a small amount of money from the victim’s wallet, took place between late on Thursday 27 January or in the early hours of 28 January.
Paul Tony Warren, 24, of Victoria Road, Old Town, was charged with grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent – though he could also be charged with murder following this development.
He appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 3 February, where he offered no indication of pleas and made no application for bail.
Kate Prince, prosecuting, applied for a remand in custody. Magistrates granted it, and Warren is next due to attend Swindon Crown Court on 4 March.
A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “A man in his 50s was the victim of a robbery as he walked in the Meadowcroft area of Swindon.
“He was taken to hospital where he remained since the attack and he sadly died on 7 February.
“A post mortem will take place in due course as part of the ongoing investigation.
“Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this difficult time.”
Anyone with information about the robbery should contact Wiltshire Police on 101 and quote crime reference number 54220009744. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
