A JUDGE has issued a warrant for the arrest of a man accused of launching a violent assault with a meat cleaver.

Michael McDonagh was due to appear at Swindon Crown Court yesterday facing a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

But the 34-year-old failed to turn up for the hearing and Judge Douglas Field issued a warrant without bail to get him before the court.

McDonagh, who has given the court an address at the Salvation Army hostel Booth House, in Spring Gardens, also has a care-of address in Penhill Drive.

Paul Trotman, defending, said his solicitors had lost contact with the defendant but wrote to him informing him of the hearing.

McDonagh is said to have carried out the attack in Penhill on the evening of Friday, December 7 last year.

He is accused of assaulting Chris White and possessing a bladed article in Penhill Drive.

No charges have been put to McDonagh, who is on bail on condition he reports to the police three times a week and does not go to Penhill Drive or Waggoner Close, and he has not entered any pleas.