By Daniel Jae Webb

A man has admitted ramming a pair of pants full of human excrement down the throat of a child after the boy 'had an accident'.

Stanley Haywood, of Cirencester, pleaded guilty to assaulting the youngster at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

Prosecutor Kate Prince said the 42-year-old defendant was approached by the victim who informed him he had accidentally soiled his pants.

Haywood's response to the situation caused the child to feel scared, and as a result, he attempted to clean himself up and change his clothing.

The embarrassed youngster had gone back to the defendant with a pair of pants full of human excrement, in the hope he could assist him with what to do next.

But angry Haywood grabbed him by the head, took the pants from him and rammed them forcefully into his mouth - hitting his throat.

The child was later taken to Great Western Hospital by his mother where he was assessed for his injuries. He was found to have sustained bruising to his cheek and the back of his throat.

The court heard that the defendant is currently serving a community order imposed by Cheltenham Magistrates' Court for possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Mark Glendenning, defending, requested a pre-sentence report.

He said his client had been "desperately struggling" with drug addiction at the time of the offence.

Mr Glendenning confirmed that the victim's mother has since sought a non-molestation order, which was granted by the courts.

Haywood was released on unconditional bail to attend a sentencing hearing in January 2022.