Man 'betrayed' by friends and set upon with weapons on Swindon estate

The incident has been described as a planned criminal attack by three people, who the victim had believed were his friends.

Matthew Brown, of Ermin Street, and Laura Taylor, of Affleck Close, have now been sentenced in court, but police have been unable to identify the third man involved.

The court heard how on May 1, 2024, Laura had sent a WhatsApp message to a man in his 40s asking him for money, and agreed she would meet him at his flat in Stratton St Margaret.

The woman knocked on the door to the flats and lured the victim outside before fleeing at the exact moment masked robbers arrived with a large knife and a plank of wood as weapons.

The entire incident was caught on CCTV footage, which was played during the sentencing at Swindon Crown Court on July 9, 2026.

It shows the two men appearing from the darkness, demanding money and holding a knife to his throat.

At one point the victim, who claimed he had no money, dropped his car keys and Brown picked them up.

Matthew Brown held the knife while covering his face (Image: Swindon Advertiser)

The criminals then managed to secure £40 from the victim and make off with the cash and his car keys.

Just eight days after this incident, Brown then broke into the same victim's house and struck him multiple times with a crowbar, with the intention of causing grievous bodily harm.

The psychological impact on the victim has been life-changing.

"He often has flashbacks and nightmares," explained the prosecutor.

"He has struggled in many ways, having to relocate due to fear of further violence, meaning he's unable to see his children as often as he'd like.

"He knew Brown and Taylor and thought they were friends so feels betrayed and feels he can't trust anyone now and doesn't like to leave his house."

Laura Taylor (Image: Wiltshire Police)

Both defendants originally denied the crimes but then changed their pleas to guilty just before a trial was due to take place.

Matthew Brown, now aged 38, has 22 previous convictions for 39 offences, many of which involve violence.

Laura Taylor, aged 36, has nine convictions for 12 previous offences.

"It seems to me the intention was to frighten the complainant. There are almost no injuries," explained Susan Cavender, defending Mr Brown.

"He is doing well in jail and he tells me he is an enhanced person and has been helping new inmates to adjust to life in prison.

"He knows he has done wrong."

Matthew Brown and Laura Taylor were sentenced at Swindon Crown Court (Image: Dave Cox)

Mr Williams, defending Laura Taylor, added: "This is a lady who has struggled with a number of issues, including substance abuse and addiction. She has tried to seek help.

"She accepts she was involved but I would suggest her involvement was limited. She did not have a weapon herself and did not threaten violence."

Judge Townsend described the whole encounter as an extremely nasty incident."

Matthew Brown has now been sentenced to three years in prison for the robbery, affray and possession of a weapon.

He will serve this prison sentence consecutively to the one he is already serving.

Ms Taylor, on the other hand, was deemed to have a significant prospect of rehabilitation.

Judge Townsend handed her a two year prison sentence suspended for two years, meaning she won't have to serve it if she does not reoffend in that time.

She must also complete a mandatory six month drug rehabilitation requirement, 12 sessions of mental health treatment, up to 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 26 days of an accredited programme.

Both defendants have also received a 10 year restraining order against the victim.

Detective Constable James Pugh said: "The three-year prison sentence handed to Matthew provides some reassurance to both the victim and the wider public that this dangerous individual will remain off the streets.

"I would like to thank the witnesses who came forward and provided vital evidence that helped secure these convictions. Despite the serious and violent nature of the offence, they demonstrated considerable courage through their willingness to attend court and give evidence against those responsible.

"Faced with the strength of the prosecution case, supported by witness testimony, Matthew and Laura had little option but to plead guilty on the first day of the trial."