A COUPLE will be sentenced in the new year for striking a man with a metal bar in an attempted robbery.

Kristian Cleverley, 32, had been due to stand trial on Monday on allegations of aggravated burglary, attempted robbery and attempted wounding with intent.

However, appearing before Swindon Crown Court this week via video link from Bullingdon prison, Cleverley, of Moyne Close, Devizes, admitted the attempted robbery charge. It is said he armed himself with a metal bar before breaking into a flat in Royal Close, Chippenham, on June 13 last year.

Prosecutor George Threlfall said that plea was acceptable to the crown.

Co-defendant Stacey Kibble, 28, of Swann Court, Trowbridge, had earlier pleaded guilty to attempted robbery.

Judge Jason Taylor QC remanded Cleverley in custody to be sentenced with Kibble in early 2021.