Understand
Man jailed for 24 years for attempted murder of ex-partner in Carmarthen Park
Overview
James McKenna, 58, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison at Swansea Crown Court after being found guilty of the attempted murder of his ex-partner, Joanne Sidaway. McKenna ambushed Sidaway in Carmarthen Park in January, stabbing her multiple times in the chest in a calculated attack driven by anger over their relationship ending. The assault sparked a four-day manhunt before McKenna was arrested at a hospital in Aberystwyth seeking treatment for suspected frostbite.
Key points
- James McKenna was sentenced to 24 years in prison for the attempted murder of his 49-year-old ex-partner, Joanne Sidaway.
- The attack took place in Carmarthen Park in January, where McKenna hid in bushes and stabbed Sidaway multiple times.
- Judge Paul Thomas KC described the attack as wholly calculated, noting that McKenna left his victim for dead in the bushes.
- The assault triggered a four-day manhunt, ending with McKenna's arrest at a hospital in Aberystwyth while seeking medical treatment.
- The court heard that McKenna was angry about the end of their relationship and had intentionally brought a sharp kitchen knife to the park.