A man charged with rape in Swindon town centre has failed to turn up to court.

Prinse Kessie, 32, of Prospero Way, Swindon, was arrested and charged following the serious sexual assault in the Regents Street area of Swindon on March 23.

He was due to appear at Swindon Crown Court on May 3 via video link but failed to turn up. 

He was scheduled to speak to his counsel, Mr Wilkins, at 11.30am for fifteen minutes in private, before the plea and trial preparation hearing set to commence at 11.45am. 

But when the case was called, Kessie was not present.

Recorder Paul Garlick K.C, decided to reschedule the hearing for Friday, May 10 to establish a plea from the accused. 

"Today has been a less than fruitful exercise," he said.