Two men have been charged with the murder of a festival worker following an alleged assault in Swansea. Andrew Main, hailing from Falkirk, Scotland, was working in Wales when the incident occurred in July this year. The 33-year-old sustained serious brain injuries and was initially treated in Cardiff before being transferred to a hospital in Edinburgh, where he tragically passed away almost a month later.
Initially, the two men were charged with causing grievous bodily harm in connection with the incident on Princess Way in Swansea city centre on July 17. The court heard that the Procurator Fiscal in Scotland had declined a request to transfer the post-mortem examination to Wales, insisting that it be conducted in Scotland. The examination has since been carried out in accordance with Scots law, and based on the results, the prosecution intends to seek to stay the existing charges and lay a new indictment.
During the proceedings at Swansea Crown Court, the defendants, Joseph Nigel Dix, 26, from Frome, Somerset, and Macauley Luke Ruddock, 27, from Camerton, Somerset, both pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr. Main and the alternative charge of manslaughter. A trial date has been set for January 6 next year. The court was informed that Mr. Main’s body has not yet been released to his family, prompting Judge Geraint Walters to urge for swift resolution to allow the family closure.
Speaking to WalesOnline earlier, Mr. Main’s sister, Sharon Leebody, shared heartfelt sentiments about her brother, describing him as a devoted and beloved family member. She highlighted his positive impact on those around him, especially since becoming a father, and how his friends held him in high regard. Sharon Leebody expressed the family’s longing to have Mr. Main back and laid to rest as soon as possible.
This tragic incident has left a lasting impact on both the victim’s family and the community. The court proceedings shed light on the legal process unfolding as justice aims to be served for Andrew Main and those affected by this devastating loss. The trial scheduled for early next year will be a crucial milestone in seeking accountability for the alleged assault that led to his untimely passing.