Two accused of murder attempt (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Two accused of murder attempt

Nicholas WhitfieldTHE victim of a vicious assault who is still in intensive care is lucky to be alive, according to police. Nicholas Whitfield, 25, was left unconscious and losing blood after being attacked on Wednesday.

He may have suffered brain damage as a result of the ordeal.

Two people appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Saturday in connection with the incident.

Richard Lawanson, 23, a serving soldier with the Royal Engineers in Tidworth and Philippa Burchell, 19, of Perry's Lane, Wroughton, are charged with attempted murder.

The pair did not enter pleas during the brief hearing and each spoke only to confirm their name, age and address.

Nicholas' beaten body was found by two passers-by who were walking their dog in Lydiard Park.

He was slumped on the ground next to a red Yamaha motorbike and at first the two dog-walkers thought it was just a dumped bike.

It was not until they got closer that they found Nicholas in a pool of blood.

Police say it was their quick actions that saved him.

DC Mark Wilkinson said: "His situation is very serious. The paramedics had to resuscitate him twice at the scene.

"Thankfully it happened where it did and he was found and we got an ambulance to him just in time."

Nicholas, of Purton, has still not regained consciousness since the attack and he is having to use a ventilator to breath.

He suffered serious head and facial injuries and his condition is critical.

DC Wilkinson said: "His injuries and his state of health are the same as they were after the attack.

"His health has not improved but it hasn't got any worse either.

"We have been told that brain damage may occur but they won't know until the swelling goes down."

Police are still carrying out enquiries in to the attack and they are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area between 7-7.30pm on Wednesday.

Mr Lawanson was remanded in custody and Miss Burchell was released on bail on the condition that she stays with her mum and stepfather in Wroughton.

She was also told she must not contact Mr Lawanson or any of the witnesses in the case and she has to report to Gablecross police station three times a week.

They are due to appear at Bristol Crown Court on December 13 for a preliminary hearing.

Gareth Bethell