The case against a man who was accused of brandishing a knife at neighbours has been closed after a judge learned he had died.

Michael Brown, 62, had been due to stand trial at Swindon Crown Court in March but missed the hearing after jetting away to the Caribbean for some summer sun.

Brown, who had come into a large inheritance after his mother died, was tracked down a few days later and said he did not know about the date.

But before the case could come back before a jury it was discovered he had died, and after an interim death certificate was produced the matter was closed.

The court was told that there would be an inquest held by a coroner to ascertain the cause of death, which happened in early September.

Brown, formerly of St Michael's Court in Canon Square, Melksham, had pleaded not guilty to having a bladed article in public on Saturday, May 25, last year.

He also denied failing to surrender to custody but was found guilty following a short trial and was due to be sentenced for that at the end of the proceedings.