A MAN will stand trial on a charge he launched a racially-motivated attack on a Swindon man.

David Fowles, 22, of Brackley, Northamptonshire, is alleged to have carried out the attack on December 7 last year.

He has pleaded not guilty to a charge of racially aggravated assault causing actual bodily harm. A plea to the lesser charge of simple ABH has not been accepted by the Crown.

On Friday at Swindon Crown Court, Judge Peter Crabtree said a trial date would be fixed in due course. The coronavirus pandemic has seen all new trials stopped until further notice.

Fowles was not present for the hearing, which was conducted by telephone conference.

David Stanton represented the Crown. Tony Bignall appeared for the defence.

Both lawyers appeared in court via telephone from home.