TWO men have appeared before Swansea Crown Court charged in connection with the death of Andrew Main, a 33-year-old father from Falkirk, who died in hospital four weeks after being assaulted outside the Travelodge on Princess Way, Swansea. The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday (Jul 17) 2024, leaving Main with critical injuries.
Joseph Dix, 26, of Frome, Somerset, and Macauley Ruddock, 27, of Bath, are accused of murder and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Prosecutor David Elias KC told the jury that the defendants were directly responsible for Main’s death.
The court heard that Main, accompanied by his friend Michael Bell, had been visiting Swansea from Scotland on a social trip, while the defendants were staying at the Travelodge during their own visit. Elias KC outlined how events escalated following interactions between the two groups, who were previously unacquainted.
Dix and Ruddock had spent the evening drinking in Swansea city centre, starting at The Bank Statement on Wind Street. CCTV footage showed them meeting two women, Hannah Tedstone and Katrina Matthews, before moving on to Coyote Ugly and leaving shortly before midnight.
Main and Bell arrived at the same venue around 11pm, briefly encountering the defendants before leaving shortly after.
The prosecution explained that Dix and Ruddock later purchased alcohol from a local shop and returned to the women’s Travelodge room to continue drinking. At around 1:40am, the defendants went to the hotel bar, where they encountered Bell, who appeared heavily intoxicated.
Tensions reportedly flared during this interaction, with Bell seen arguing with Ruddock. Main intervened, attempting to calm the situation. CCTV footage showed Main shaking hands with Ruddock in an apparent gesture of peace.
However, the prosecution alleges that tensions reignited when Main and Bell attempted to leave the hotel. Dix and Ruddock followed them outside, where a physical confrontation occurred. Witness Mr Singh, staying near the hotel, described seeing Ruddock holding Bell in a headlock and punching him repeatedly. Bell eventually broke free and fled, leaving Main with the defendants.
CCTV footage captured a brief moment of apparent reconciliation, with Dix and Ruddock seen fist-bumping Main. However, Elias KC stated that Main turned back moments later, allegedly striking one of the defendants before attempting to flee.
At this point, the prosecution claims Dix delivered a single powerful punch, causing Main to collapse unconscious. CCTV footage showed Main falling out of the camera’s view.
David Lamb, a guest at the Travelodge, filmed parts of the incident from his room. His footage showed Main lying motionless on the ground as the defendants attempted to place him in the recovery position. Emergency services were called, and both men were arrested at the scene.
Despite medical intervention, Main never regained consciousness. He was placed in intensive care but passed away four weeks later from his injuries.
The trial continues, with the prosecution presenting CCTV footage, witness statements, and expert testimony. The defence is expected to outline its case in the coming days as the jury considers the events that led to Andrew Main’s death.
