Man pleads guilty to murder following violent robbery in Swindon

A man has today (06/07) pleaded guilty to the murder of a Swindon man following a violent robbery in the town last year.

Paul Warren, 25, of Victoria Road, Old Town, appeared at Bristol Crown Court today charged with the murder of 54-year-old Martin Brown.

On January 27 2022, Warren violently attacked Martin Brown as he was walking home in the Beechcroft Road area.

Martin tragically died in hospital 11 days later.

Det Chief Insp Phil Walker said: “Martin had missed the last bus home after doing a grocery shop at a local supermarket so he decided to walk to his home address in Queensfield. Tragically, he was targeted by Paul Warren who launched a violent and sustained attack on him, repeatedly punching him to the head until he handed over his wallet and provided the PIN number to his bank card.

“Martin was left seriously injured  - we believe he attempted to continue on his journey home, but collapsed in the street due to the severity of his injuries. He was later found and taken to hospital where he tragically died a few days later.

“Officers continued with their enquiries and were able to piece together Martin’s final movements and through CCTV enquiries were able to identify Warren as the man behind the attack – he was arrested initially on suspicion of robbery, before a charge of murder was authorised after Martin sadly died as a result of his injuries.

“This was a completely random attack and Warren’s actions were totally cowardly – he has devastated a family and all of those who knew Martin.

“Violence of this severity will not be tolerated. It causes fear within our community and I am hopeful that a lengthy custodial sentence will be handed to Warren when he next appears in court.

“I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Martin’s family who have had their world turned upside down by Warren’s actions. Despite this, they have acted with dignity throughout this ordeal. My thoughts are with them at what continues to be an incredibly difficult time.”

• Paul Warren, who had also earlier pleaded guilty to robbery, is due to be sentenced on 20 July.