A brutal attack at a building site in Purton, near Swindon, has left a young father fighting for his life in hospital. Jamie Chappell, 25, from Bristol, was rushed to Southmead Hospital after being stabbed with a screwdriver to the head on Thursday.
His family's statement paints a harrowing picture of their ordeal, describing every hour as 'a battle' and expressing the 'uncertainty, fear and heartbreak' that has consumed them. Mr Chappell remains critically ill in intensive care after undergoing an initial operation, with further surgery anticipated.
In connection with the incident, James Denys, 36, of Ravensdale, East Wichel, appeared before Swindon Magistrates Court on Saturday, charged with assault causing grievous bodily harm to Mr Chappell. He was remanded in custody and will face trial at Swindon Crown Court on 21 August 2026.
The family has extended their gratitude to the individuals present at the site, the air ambulance crew, and medical staff at Southmead Hospital for their care, vowing to be by Mr Chappell's side 'through every operation, setback, victory and step of the long road ahead'.
A second man, also 36, was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender but has since been released on bail as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the stabbing.