Local News · Swindon
Swindon man admits to assaults and witness intimidation
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
A 29-year-old Swindon man has pleaded guilty to assaulting two women and attempting to intimidate witnesses ahead of his trial.
A 29-year-old man from Swindon has admitted to assaulting two women and attempting to interfere with the legal process by intimidating witnesses. Thomas Viney, of Groundwell Road, appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court where he changed his pleas to guilty ahead of a scheduled trial.
Viney had originally denied two counts of assault relating to an incident on 19 March of this year. While preparing for his trial, he made a series of phone calls to one of the victims and another witness on 11 July, 2026, in an attempt to dissuade them from testifying. This conduct led to him being charged with two additional counts of intimidating a witness, to which he also pleaded guilty.
The matter was brought to a head on the morning of Wednesday, 16 September, when the trial was due to commence at Swindon Magistrates' Court. Viney opted to enter guilty pleas for the assaults at the eleventh hour. Due to the number and nature of the offences, District Judge Lynne Matthews indicated that the magistrates' court sentencing powers were insufficient for the case.
Consequently, the case has been transferred to the Crown Court. Viney has been remanded in custody and is now awaiting a sentencing hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Swindon Crown Court on the morning of Friday, 16 October. A pre-sentence report has been ordered to assist the court in its final determination.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Lifestyle · View original