Brutal Attack on Council Cleaner Lands Man in Prison for Nearly Five Years
A violent, unprovoked assault on a South Swindon council street cleaner has landed Zak Nicholson behind bars for almost five years.
Street Cleaner Attacked Without Warning
Zak Nicholson, 25, of Westbourne Court, Rodbourne, was sentenced to four years and eleven months at Swindon Crown Court on April 2. He pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon in public, and driving without a licence or insurance.
The shocking attack happened on the morning of September 9, 2024, when Nicholson and his cousin, Linval Nicholson, 42, attacked a council worker in his 50s as he cleaned Broadgreen. Zak repeatedly bashed the man’s head with an extendable baton causing serious injuries, while Linval chased the victim, swung a rucksack, sprayed an unknown liquid, and verbally abused him.
The brutal assault was caught on CCTV, leading to the rapid arrest of both suspects.
Court Deals Swift Justice
The victim was treated in hospital and discharged the same day. Meanwhile, Linval Nicholson admitted common assault and received a 14-day jail sentence plus a £154 victim surcharge.
Police and Council Speak Out
Detective Constable Saunders from Swindon Local Policing praised the victim’s bravery. “This was an unprovoked, serious assault on a council worker who feared for his life. Attacks on council workers simply doing their jobs will not be tolerated. Without victims’ support, we couldn’t bring offenders like Zak Nicholson to justice,” he said.
Rebecca Banwell-Moore, Vice-Chair of South Swindon Parish Council, slammed the attack. “This was an unprovoked and extremely traumatic attack on one of our staff who works tirelessly to keep our community clean. No one should face violence at work. We are glad justice has been served and remain committed to supporting our employees.”
The sentencing marks a decisive win for the community and sends a clear message: violence against public workers will not be tolerated.
