'I'll gas the kids to death' (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

'I'll gas the kids to death'

A silver Renault Megane similar to this one was seen at the entrance of Lydiard ParkA DAD has been charged with trying to kill his two young children. The 36-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Swindon magistrates' court yesterday, facing two allegations of attempted murder.

He is also accused of making threats to kill.

The court heard how on Saturday, September 3, the man, who was still living with his partner even though they had split up, had stayed in to look after the children, both aged under five. His estranged girlfriend of eight years had gone out for the night with her friends.

But her evening was brought to an abrupt end when she got a text message from her ex saying he was going to gas their children in the car.

He also told her to check for the tube to their vacuum cleaner when she got in because he was going to use it to gas them.

She returned to their West Swindon home at around 3am and to her horror the children and their dad were nowhere to be seen.

The court was told he had left a chilling note behind saying: "If I can't have the kids you can't. Have a good life."

The police were called and after searching the house they found that the pipe from the vacuum cleaner was indeed missing.

Officers immediately launched a search and discovered the man and two youngsters in a car at Lydiard Park at 4.30am.

Prosecuting Anna Humphries said: "The engine was running, the doors were locked and the pipe was going in to the window.

"The officer grabbed the hose and shouted for the doors to be opened.

"The officers tried to smash the windows but the man activated the central locking.

"They opened the doors and there was a strong smell of exhaust fumes coming from the car."

The man was arrested and the children were taken to the Great Western Hospital in an ambulance.

He appeared at Swindon magistrates' court yesterday where he was remanded in custody to appear at Bristol Crown Court on November 21.

He has not yet entered a plea.

Defending Rob Ross said that the man had never intended to harm his children but had done it as a stunt to show his partner how upset he was over their break-up.

He added that the car had a catalytic converter, which cuts out the poisonous carbon dioxide, and so the defendant knew his family would come to no harm.

Swindon police are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen a silver Renault Megane, five-door hatchback, parked at the entrance to Lydiard Park in Hook Street between midnight Saturday September 3 and 3am on Sunday, September 4.

Anyone who recalls seeing the car should call Swindon police on 01793 528111 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Gareth Bethell