THREE Swindon men charged with attempted murder have been told they must remain in custody while they take further legal advice.

Daniel Peapell, 20, of Trowbridge Close, Zak Doyle, 19, of Abbeymeads, and Rafaele Bretti, 19, of Wharf Road, appeared at Bristol Crown Court today in relation to the stabbing of Vito Mazzotta in Bowleymead, Eldene, in June.

However, the case did not proceed as Doyle and Bretti believe they are no longer able to work with Ross Solicitors, which had been representing the trio, due to advice given at initial custody interviews with the police.

They requested new representation which was granted by Judge Lambert despite Ross Solicitors denying bad advice had been given.

All three appeared in court via satellite link, with Doyle and Bretti saying they had been wrongly advised to give a "no comment" interview by Ross Solicitors when initially in custody.

This was denied by Alex Daymond, acting on behalf of the Swindon-based legal firm, who said he believed it was Bretti’s father who was influencing the decision following a personal disagreement from the past.

He said: “I fear they are being given advice by a third party who may not be acting in their best interest.

"As far as we are concerned the relationship has not broken down. I met the defendants on July 2 and they spoke to me.

“I will not give reasons as to why they were given the advice but Mr Bretti signed a document to say he understood the advice and why he had been told to say no comment. The same is true of Mr Doyle.”

But the judge sided with the defendants and said that under the guidelines it was his decision the relationship had broken down.

He said: “Given the ages, it is likely that parental influence will be a big factor. It may well be that they were given perfectly good advice but it is my decision the relationship has broken down.”

The case revolves around a brawl which occurred in the early hours of June 13 involving a number of young men.

Police were called to reports of young men fighting with weapons including wood, poles and knives.

Vito was subsequently found by officers lying on the ground having sustained 10 stabs wounds. He was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol where he was treated for his injuries.

The three defendants have told they must re-appear at Bristol Crown Court in September to enter their pleas.