A man allegedly punched a rival in the jaw while they were both at the police station custody desk, a court heard.

Paul Bruce, 38, is said to have struck the man, who was known to him and with whom he had a disagreement, twice as they were separately being taken to the custody desk at Gablecross police station on the evening of Sunday, October 18. Both were at the police station for unrelated matters.

Prosecutor Keith Ballinger told Swindon magistrates it was suspected the victim, who was taken to hospital, may have broken his jaw in the attack. He had earlier broken his jaw and the injury had not healed.

Appearing before Swindon Magistrates’ Court via video link from Gablecross police station on Monday afternoon, Bruce, of Beaumont Close, Stratton, entered no plea to a single count of wounding with intent.

He was remanded in custody to appear before Swindon Crown Court on Friday, November 20, for a plea and trial preparation hearing.