Verdict after pre-planned attack in Carmarthen Park
A jury at Swansea Crown Court has found James McKenna, 57, guilty of attempted murder following a knife attack on his former partner in Carmarthen Park on 29 January.
The victim, Joanne Sidaway, 49, was walking her dog during her first outing of the day when she was ambushed in bushes inside the park. Court reporting says she screamed as McKenna repeatedly stabbed her in the chest, arm and hands before managing to escape and summon help.
"I've been stabbed by my ex-partner... he's been stalking me," the victim told emergency services, according to the court.
Prosecutors told the jury the attack was planned. McKenna had admitted wounding Ms Sidaway with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possessing a bladed article in a public place but denied the more serious charge of attempted murder. After a five-day trial, jurors rejected that defence and returned a guilty verdict on the attempted murder charge.
How the event unfolded and the wider police response
Evidence presented at Swansea Crown Court described how McKenna spent hours looking for Ms Sidaway that day, knowing her routine, and carried a large kitchen knife concealed in a rucksack. He first visited several locations and later returned to the park. The defendant told the jury he had the knife with him and said he was angry following the end of their relationship; he told the court he intended to cause serious harm but not to kill her.
After the attack McKenna fled the scene, discarding the knife and the rucksack. A large-scale police operation followed. He evaded capture for several days while reportedly hiding in woodland near Carmarthen without food or water. He was arrested at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth on 2 February while waiting for treatment for suspected frostbite.
Detective Chief Inspector Sian Davies of Dyfed‑Powys Police described the assault as a "shocking level of pre-planned violence which could have easily led to the victim’s death" and thanked those who assisted in the investigation and the victim for her role in securing the conviction.
Local context and immediate consequences
The attack — in a public park in the centre of Carmarthen — has understandably unsettled the local community. Parks are widely used by families, dog‑walkers and older residents; an incident of this severity raises questions about stalking, victim safety and public protection in familiar community spaces.
Sentencing has been scheduled for a later hearing. McKenna previously pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and will next appear at Swansea Crown Court on 2 September to receive his sentence.
- Victim: Joanne Sidaway, 49 — survived the attack.
- Defendant: James McKenna, 57 — found guilty of attempted murder.
- Location: Carmarthen Park; arrest made at Bronglais Hospital, Aberystwyth.
Local people I have spoken with say the case has prompted renewed calls for support services for those subject to stalking and for visible policing in public spaces. The court heard the victim was lucky not to have died; jurors were told Ms Sidaway’s winter coat helped reduce the severity of the wounds.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 29 January | Attack in Carmarthen Park |
| 2 February | Arrest at Bronglais Hospital, Aberystwyth |
| July (trial) | Five-day trial at Swansea Crown Court |
| 2 September | Sentencing hearing scheduled |
For Carmarthen residents, this case is a stark reminder of the dangers of intimate partner violence and the lasting impact on victims and communities. Local services offering help to victims of domestic abuse and stalking can provide confidential advice and support. The conviction marks a step towards justice for the victim and a moment of reflection for community groups and agencies working to keep public spaces safe.
As a town proud of its tight-knit communities and Welsh heritage, Carmarthen must continue to support those affected while ensuring preventative measures and swift police responses are maintained.
