A man accused of theft and assault was a fool not to turn up at court, a judge said.

Bryan Chubb, 38, had been due before Swindon Crown Court on Thursday afternoon to answer charges he stole a man’s wallet and keys and assaulted him on Clive Parade, Upper Stratton, on August 26, 2018.

He failed to show up, despite having had a bag packed and arranging for a taxi to bring him to court.

A warrant was issued for his arrest, but Chubb handed himself into court on Friday morning. Barrister Mary Cowe said her client had broken his leg around five years ago and the wound had never healed. He still has a serious problem with the limb and was worried about what would happen were he to go to prison. She told the court: “He had taken steps to get here. He had a bag packed. At the last moment he just couldn’t face it.”

Judge Jason Taylor QC told Chubb: “You were a fool yesterday, but I understand how sometimes fear can grip you.”

Chubb pleaded guilty to theft, assault causing actual bodily harm and four counts of fraud by false representation that related to the use of a stolen bank card, and admitted failing to surrender to court. He was bailed and will be sentenced on August 17

His co-defendant, Nina Austin, 42, of Common Hill, Cricklade, pleaded guilty on Thursday to theft.