Swindon man accused of assault in Oxford city centre

Jay Hayden, who has decided not to provide a formal statement to police or support the prosecution service, was assaulted in the early hours of August 7, 2021 in Park End Street.

He was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital where it was discovered he had a fracture to the bone behind his head as well as bruising and scarring.

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Now, 23-year-old William Hughes, of Bathampton Street, Swindon, is on trial at Oxford Crown Court charged with grievous bodily harm.

He had denied the offence and claims it was an act of self-defence.

His co-defendant, William Richell, 22, of Ecklington, Swindon, has already pleaded guilty and will no longer stand trial.

The case was opened in court on Tuesday (March 5) where it was heard that Hughes, Richell and a third unidentified male were drunk in the city centre at about 2.30am.

Mr Hayden and a friend tried to gain access into the La Casa bar when Richell pushed the door closed on them.

However, when the pair eventually get through there ‘appears to be a verbal exchange’ before Richell punches Mr Hayden.

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Mr Hayden and his friend begin to walk away from the bar before Hughes and Richell follow them,

It is the Crown’s case that Hughes then punches Mr Hayden after an altercation, causing him to fall to the ground unconscious.

The jury heard that civilian-clothed officers then became involved and an off-duty paramedic was quickly on scene to help Mr Hayden.

A sign for Park End Street (Image: Ed Burnett)

Hughes was apprehended and arrested by the undercover officer while Mr Hayden was taken to the hospital by the South Central Ambulance Service.

Mr Hayden was diagnosed with a subdural haematoma and was bleeding from his right ear.

The Crown told the jury that the medical record indicated ‘what happened one that night was very serious bodily harm’.

Hughes was interviewed twice by police, once on the night of the incident and a second time on January 11 the following year but answered ‘no comment’ to all questions asked.

The prosecution stated that they anticipate there will be no issue from Hughes that he was there that night and that there were exchanges between himself and Mr Hayden.

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However, it is expected that Hughes will argue that it was an act of lawful self-defence.

The jury was reminded that they will not hear evidence from Mr Hayden but will hear from officers present that night and will see CCTV footage.

The trial continues.