Man, 25, ‘fighting for life’ after being stabbed in head with screwdriver & undergoing op to remove ‘half his skull’

NewsUK News A 25-YEAR-old is “fighting for his life” after being stabbed in the head with a screwdriver. Jamie Chappell was rushed to hospital following the incident on Thursday in Purton, Wiltshire, and had to undergo a five-hour operation to remove “half his skull”. Jamie Chappell, 25, has to undergo a five-hour operation after being stabbed in the head with a screwdriver Credit: Family Handout James Denys, 36, has been charged with grievous bodily harm Credit: Alamy Stock Photo James Denys, 36, has since been charged with grievous bodily harm in what police call a “serious assault”. A spokesperson for the Chappell family told Swindon Advertiser: “Jamie is one of the kindest, most gentle souls you could ever meet. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! “He left for work on the morning of Thursday 23rd 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.” Emergency services rushed to the Widham Gardens building site where Chappell was stabbed in the head on July 23. He was taken to Southmead Hospital where staff tried to save his life in what his family called an “unimaginably difficult time”. The attack was originally being treated as a suspected murder attempt, but it has changed since. Denys, of Ravensdale, East Wichel, appeared in court and was charged with assault causing grievous bodily harm. Most read in The Sun He has been remanded in custody and will appear at Swindon Magistrates Court on Saturday. A second suspect, also 36, was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender but has since been released on bail. Detective Chief Inspector Deb Hatch described the event as a “serious incident” and extended her thoughts to the victim’s family. She has urged any witnesses or concerned individuals to speak to the police and help in its investigation. Information can be provided by calling 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.