A MAN was due to appear before Swindon magistrates today charged with robbing a bus driver.

Police charged Thomas Kennedy, 27, of Eddington Close, Toothill, after an account of the attack was published in the Evening Advertiser.

Detective Constable Bob Cooper, of Swindon police, said: "An arrest was made as a direct result of the story, which encouraged a witness to come forward."

The robbery happened on November 27 when three men demanded money from a 34-year-old male driver aboard a Thamesdown Transport bus.

The vehicle was parked at the bus stop outside the Link Centre at 6.20pm.

Police said when the driver refused to cooperate he was punched repeatedly in the face and head.

The robbers fled in the direction of West Swindon Shopping Centre with £7.90 in cash.

The victim was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital, Swindon, suffering from concussion, bruising and swelling.