A NIGHT out in Swansea took a disturbing turn, culminating in an alleged assault that left a 33-year-old man bleeding heavily on the pavement outside a Travelodge. The case, currently being heard at Swansea Crown Court, revolves around the actions of Macauley Ruddock and Joseph Dix.
The incident unfolded on Tuesday (Jul 16) last year when Ruddock and Dix, employed in Swansea to install electric car charging points, visited Wind Street after work. The pair spent the evening drinking at the Bank Statement pub, where they met Hannah Tedstone and Katrina Matthews. The night progressed to the Coyote Ugly bar before the group returned to the women’s Travelodge hotel room.
During his testimony, Ruddock admitted to using drugs that evening, though he claimed they did not influence his behaviour. He revealed purchasing cocaine for £80 and consuming some at the hotel. “I only used a little,” he told the court, adding that it made him feel “more sociable” but not aggressive. He denied taking ketamine that night, stating it had been consumed two days earlier to “chill out.”
The altercation reportedly began over a cigarette lighter outside the Travelodge. Ruddock described the dispute as minor, alleging that Michael Bell, one of the complainants, became confrontational. “He was right up in my face. I was uncomfortable. I just wanted to finish my cigarette,” Ruddock said.
CCTV footage played in court showed Andrew Main, a friend of Mr Bell, intervening to de-escalate the situation. Despite being encouraged to return inside, Ruddock insisted on staying outside to finish his cigarette. He alleged that Mr Bell punched him in the mouth, sparking a physical altercation. “I was shocked. I didn’t expect it,” he said.
Ruddock admitted punching Mr Main four times during the scuffle but claimed the fight ended when Dix intervened, shouting, “Stop it! That’s enough!” According to Ruddock, he and Mr Main shook hands afterward, believing the matter was resolved. “I thought it was over,” he said.
The prosecution, however, presented evidence of a second altercation. CCTV footage showed Mr Main being pursued and attacked as he lay on the ground, bleeding and unable to defend himself. Ruddock denied targeting Mr Main, stating, “I didn’t hit him. I just wanted to stop him from coming back.”
The footage also captured Ruddock attempting to assist Mr Main after the altercation, placing him in the recovery position and flagging down police officers. “I didn’t want him to get worse. I tried to help him,” he testified.
During cross-examination, the prosecution pointed to inconsistencies in Ruddock’s initial police interview, where he gave “no comment” responses to key questions. Ruddock explained, “I panicked. I didn’t know what to say.”
The prosecution alleged that Ruddock and Dix acted deliberately and violently, accusing them of pursuing Mr Main while he was vulnerable. Ruddock maintained his actions were in self-defence. “I’m not a violent person. I only reacted because I got punched first,” he said. He admitted being “stubborn” when refusing to return to the hotel but insisted he had no intention of causing harm. “Looking back, I should have just walked away,” he added.
The trial continues this afternoon.
