A jilted Rodbourne man will appear at crown court charged with the attempted murder of his alleged love rival.

Joseph Smith, 25, of Jennings Street, is accused of stabbing Graham Sale early on Wednesday morning.

Smith's ex-girlfriend and the mother of their young son, Rebecca Dixson, had recently become involved with the 30-year-old victim.

She was living with Mr Sale in a house in Salisbury Street, Swindon, where the stabbing occurred.

Smith went round to the house.

An altercation took place and Mr Sale was stabbed a number of times.

The couple's young child was present during the incident.

Following the incident Smith went to the police station where he was arrested.

When the police arrived in Salisbury Street Mr Sale was lying face down in the hallway with a large amount of blood around him.

Five stab wounds were visible and there were early concerns that his lung might have been punctured.

Mr Sale, the branch manager of building material supplier Omnico Plastics, was taken to Swindon's Great Western Hospital, where he is recovering in the surgical ward. His condition is said to be stable.

l Smith appeared before Swindon magistrates yesterday charged with attempted murder.

Roy Jarvis, the chairman of the bench, remanded him in custody and he will appear at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, June 11.

Throughout yesterday morning's hearing Smith repeatedly glanced towards the balcony where it is believed his mother was sitting.

He wore a blue jumper and spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

Alex Emery