A former Swindon escape room owner who closed his business just one month ago has been charged with assault and possessing a hammer as a weapon.
John Tanner, of Lewis Close in Abbey Meads, Swindon, was due in Swindon Magistrates Court on Thursday, August 29, but did not turn up for the hearing.
The 35-year-old, who previously ran Escape Room HQ in Swindon and axe-throwing venue Enigma Rooms in Chippenham, has been charged with one count of possessing an offensive weapon in public and one count of assault by beating.
The court heard how Tanner was accused of carrying a hammer as a weapon on April 19, 2024, on Hobley Drive in Swindon, and of beating a man on the same date.
Tanner had previously indicated a plea of not guilty before Swindon Magistrates Court, but did not attend the follow-up hearing on August 29.
His case has now been adjourned for a trial which will begin on January 2, 2025, and the ex-escape room owner will continue to be on conditional bail until that date.
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