‘Gentle soul’ stabbed with screwdriver named and pictured

A man who was stabbed with a screwdriver on a building site is critically ill in hospital, his family have said.

Jamie Chappell, 25, was stabbed in the head with a screwdriver at Widham Gardens building site in Purton, near Swindon, on Thursday.

The stabbing was being treated as a suspected murder attempt but that is no longer the case.

James Denys, 36, of Ravensdale, East Wichel, has now been charged with Section 18 grievous bodily harm following what police are calling a ‘serious assault’.

Jamie’s family said he was ‘one of the kindest, most gentle souls you could ever meet’.

A spokesperson for his family told the Swindon Advertiser: ‘He left for work on the morning of Thursday 23th July like any other day, never imagining that within hours he would be fighting for his life.

‘Today Jamie remains critically ill. Every hour is a battle and our family continues to live with the uncertainty, fear and heartbreak that no family should ever have to endure.

‘Jamie is the heart of our family and the life and soul of every room he walks into.

‘He is the one who makes people laugh, lifts others up and would do anything for anyone. His kindness, loyalty and love for those around him are what define him, not the horrific events that have brought us to this moment.’

The family spokesperson added: ‘We would like to express our deepest gratitude to every single person who came to Jamie’s aid on that horrific morning.

‘Before the emergency services had even arrived the site agent and the workmen on scene acted without hesitation.

‘In the face of an unimaginable situation, your courage, quick thinking and determination to help Jamie gave him the best possible chance. We truly believe that your actions saved his life and our family will never be able to thank you enough.

‘We also want to thank every emergency service worker who responded that morning. From the first responders to the police officers, paramedics, and everyone involved your professionalism, compassion and commitment in the most challenging of circumstances will never be forgotten.

‘A special thank you must go to the incredible team from Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance.

‘The level of care, expertise and dedication you showed Jamie at the scene was nothing short of extraordinary. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

‘To the incredible trauma team, the neurosurgeons, and every single member of the staff at Southmead Hospital who are looking after him, there are truly no words big enough to thank you for what you are doing for Jay.’

The police have asked members of the public not to speculate.

A second suspect, also 36, was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender but has since been released on bail.

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