A man has appeared in court charged with grievous bodily harm with intent.
Lewis Butterfield, 28, is accused of repeatedly hitting his victim over the head with a metal bar in Swindon at around 9.15am on Tuesday (4 May).
The casualty, Callum Thorn, was rushed to Great Western Hospital with injuries to his hands and head following the attack in Thames Avenue. 
Hours later he was transferred to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford where he is currently undergoing brain surgery. He remains in a critical condition.
No bail application was made by his defence solicitor Mark Glendenning. Mr Butterfield, of White Eagle Road, Haydon End, was remanded in custody.
He will next appear at Swindon Crown Court on 11 June.
