AN ALLEGED hammer attacker asked a court to refer to him as the “Egyptian sun god Ra”.

Butch Sosa, 33, faces claims he dragged a stranger from his bed at Swandown Hotel, Old Town, before raining down blows with a hammer on March 16 this year.

Appearing before Swindon Crown Court on Friday afternoon, Sosa, of no fixed address, entered no plea to a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent.

Judge Jason Taylor QC’s clerk read Sosa’s name at the beginning of the short hearing, which took place over the video link.

But the defendant queried it, telling the court: “I’m the Egyptian sun god Ra.” He gave his date of birth.

The judge remanded Sosa into custody and adjourned for the preparation of a psychiatric report, following submissions from the defendant’s advocate Nick Clough.

He said: “Ra, let me just explain what is happening. I am not going to require you to enter a plea today. In the meantime, you’re going to be seen by a psychiatrist.”

Sun god Ra was one of the most important deities in the ancient Egyptian pantheon. He is typically depicted with the head of a falcon and the body of a man.

Sosa’s case is expect to return to the crown court in mid-June.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our court and crime newsletter here.