THE man accused of an assault that has left a 27-year-old father fighting for his life has made his first appearance in court.

Abuzer Erdem, 27, of St Austell Way, Churchward, Swindon, spoke only to confirm his name when he appeared before magistrates in Salisbury yesterday charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm on Sam Rees.

Erdem, who has given no indication of his plea at this stage, was released on bail and is set to appear at Swindon Crown Court on April 19 at 9.45am.

Sam, 27, was attacked on Bank Holiday Monday following a night out, and remains in intensive care at the John Radcliffe Hospital, in Oxford.

He had to undergo a brain operation on Monday and his family are now maintaining a bedside vigil as they wait for news.

Mr Rees, a father of one, was attacked at 4.40am in Wood Street, Old Town.

Erdem, who is Turkish, had an interpreter next to him in the court room.

He wore a red and white checked shirt with the top button undone.

His family were also in the court room.

The defendant nodded as he heard his bail conditions, which include surrendering his passport in the next 24 hours, not going to Swindon’s Old Town and not contacting six of the witnesses in the case.

Erdem, who was represented by Rob Ross yesterday, must also report to Gablecross Police Station twice a week.

Chairwoman of the magistrates, Ninna Gibson, said: “Due to the seriousness of the outcome of the offence we are not dealing with the case today.

“We are sending it to the crown court for a plea and case management hearing.”