Crime

Father jailed for 35 years after baby hurled at television

Published

3 months ago

January 12, 2026

Court hears infant suffered catastrophic, life-changing injuries after violent attack in Ceredigion home

A COURT has heard how a two-month-old baby was hurled with force at a television screen by their own father, causing multiple life-threatening injuries.

Rhidian Jamieson, 29, had been left in sole care of the infant at a property in Y Verwig, near Cardigan, on the afternoon of January 15, 2025. When the baby’s mother returned to the address a short time later, she found the child concealed beneath a duvet and fighting for life.

Sentencing Jamieson at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, Judge Paul Thomas KC said: “The mother entrusted you with the care of her child and could not, in her worst nightmares, have imagined what you would do to that baby.

“For reasons you have never explained and have never had the courage to explain, you threw the baby with great force at a television.

“It would have been totally obvious to you that the baby had potentially been fatally injured, yet you didn’t even bother to check whether the child was alive. Instead, like the coward you are, you left the baby concealed under a duvet.”

Judge Thomas went on to say that attempts by the probation service to prepare a report prior to Jamieson’s sentencing failed, following his refusal to attend an interview with a probation officer whilst on prison remand.

“You refused to co-operate with probation, saying you weren’t going to attend the interview because you’d rather use the prison gym,” said Judge Thomas. “That was an opportunity for you to express your regret for what you did and explain why you acted the way you did.

“You will now have opportunities to take advantage of the free prison gym facilities for many years to come.”

The court was told that shortly after the attack, Jamieson contacted his gaming associates online, telling them that he had “snapped, lost it and thrown the baby at the television”.

Later that evening, Jamieson was arrested in Cardigan town centre. Whilst detained, he made unsolicited comments to police officers stating that he believed he had killed the child. He later attempted to blame another individual for the injuries, but police investigations confirmed that this person had not been present at the property at the time.

Emergency services arrived at the Y Ferwig address at around 10:15pm where they found the two-month-old baby lying beneath a duvet. The infant was rushed to West Wales General Hospital before being transferred to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff due to the severity of the injuries.

There doctors identified a brain bleed, a fractured skull, bleeding to both eyes, extensive bruising and swelling to the face and limbs.

“These injuries are totally life-changing,” Judge Thomas said. “They include irreversible brain damage, loss of vision and the possibility of epilepsy for the rest of the child’s life.

“The baby will never have anything like the normal life that would have been expected had you not catastrophically lost your temper that day.”

Members of the child’s family described Jamieson as “a monster”, “a pathetic man-child” and “a disgusting person” in victim impact statements read out to the court.

Jamieson pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of the child in April 2025 but later applied to vacate his plea. That application was refused by Judge Thomas, who adjourned sentencing until Monday (January 12).

The judge said he was appalled by Jamieson’s conduct since the offence.

“You haven’t shown a scintilla of remorse for the appalling, life-changing injuries inflicted on a helpless two-month-old baby,” he said. “Instead, you have wallowed in self-pity and did not even have the strength to attend court today to hear your sentence.”

At the start of proceedings, the court was handed a note stating that Jamieson would not attend as he believed he had been “wrongfully charged” and had “suffered enough mentally”.

Jamieson was sentenced to 35 years in prison, with two-thirds of the term to be served in custody and the remainder on licence.

Judge Thomas also imposed a lifelong restriction preventing Jamieson from ever having unsupervised contact with children.

“This will apply long after your release from prison, which will be many years from now,” he concluded.

Speaking about the impact of the incident, the baby’s mother said: “What has happened has completely changed my life and my daughter’s life forever, as well as having a huge impact on my whole family.

“You have caused us all an unimaginable amount of pain and suffering.”

She explained that her baby had suffered ‘serious injuries’, the long-term effects of which medical experts have not yet been able to determine.

“I live every day not knowing whether she will be able to walk, talk, learn properly or live an independent life,” the mother added. “The uncertainty is unbearable.

“Instead of enjoying my daughter’s first year of life, I now spend every day worrying about what the future holds. I feel robbed of the chance to just be a normal young mum.

“Instead of building a happy and safe life with my daughter, I am left to pick up the pieces of something I never imagined would happen.”

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Williams, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “This was an appalling act of violence towards a defenceless baby – his own daughter – who had been left in Jamieson’s care.

“We still do not know what made him act in this way – what made him ‘snap’, to use his own word – but even if he had revealed the catalyst for this vile behaviour, it would in no way make it excusable.

“The baby’s family has been thrown into turmoil since the despicable attack on January 15, spending a significant amount of time in hospital, and suffering months of anxiety as they waited to find out what the long-lasting impact of her injuries will be.

“I would like to commend them for their strength and cooperation through the police investigation, as well as the numerous officers and staff who have worked tirelessly to bring Jamieson to justice.”

Crime

British Transport Police widens Tenby stabbing inquiry as five arrested

Published

20 hours ago

April 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Extra patrols in town as police continue hunt for answers after shocking railway station violence

BRITISH TRANSPORT POLICE say their investigation into the violent disorder at Tenby railway station is moving forward quickly, with five people now arrested in connection with the incident.

Four teenagers, aged between 13 and 17, were injured when violence broke out at the station late on Tuesday, April 7. All were taken to hospital, but police said their injuries were not life-threatening.

The incident, which sent shockwaves through the town, happened at around 9.50pm and involved a number of youths. The injured teenagers are understood to be from the Pembroke area.

Two people — a 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man — were first arrested following the disorder. Officers have since confirmed that both were released on bail while enquiries continue.

A further three teenagers were later detained on Thursday, April 9 on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and violent disorder. They too have been bailed pending further investigation.

Police have stressed that the case remains active and that officers are continuing to gather evidence.

British Transport Police Superintendent Jonathon Cooze said officers were aware of the alarm caused by the violence and said more patrols would be seen in the area.

He said: “We know this incident has caused significant concern in Tenby and further afield, and I want to reassure the public that detectives are working hard to establish exactly what happened.

“We have now made five arrests in total, and enquiries are continuing at pace.

“We would still like to hear from anyone who saw the incident, or who may have information about the events leading up to it.”

Anyone with information is being asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 916 of April 7.

Officers are continuing to work alongside Dyfed-Powys Police, Transport for Wales and other agencies as part of the response.

The incident has renewed concern about knife violence involving young people in Pembrokeshire.

Crime

Over 500 arrests at latest Palestine Action protest in London

Published

2 days ago

April 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

The Herald understands demonstrators from Pembrokeshire were among those in London as 523 people were detained at Trafalgar Square vigil

MORE than 500 people were arrested in Trafalgar Square on Saturday during a mass protest against the ban on Palestine Action, in what campaigners say has pushed the total number of arrests linked to the group’s proscription to more than 3,300 since July 2025.

The Herald understands that a number of those attending had travelled from Wales, including some protesters from Pembrokeshire.

The Metropolitan Police said 523 people were arrested during the demonstration, where protesters staged what organisers described as a silent vigil against the war in Gaza and the use of terrorism laws against pro-Palestinian activism.

Those detained were said to range in age from 18 to 87. Among those arrested was Robert Del Naja, the Massive Attack musician and artist, who was identified by national media as being among those detained during the protest.

The latest mass arrests come amid continuing legal and political controversy over the Government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation.

The group was banned after activists broke into RAF Brize Norton in July 2025 and damaged military aircraft in protest at Britain’s support for Israel. The proscription came into force on July 5, 2025, making it a criminal offence to belong to the group or to express support for it.

However, in February this year, the High Court ruled that the ban was unlawful. Despite that decision, the proscription remains in force while the Government pursues an appeal, which is due to be heard later this month.

That legal uncertainty has fuelled criticism of the Metropolitan Police, which had initially indicated it would not arrest people simply for holding signs while the case remained unresolved. The force later reversed that position and resumed enforcement.

The handling of Saturday’s protest has drawn further scrutiny after former Metropolitan Police chief superintendent Dal Babu said the “optics” were “very challenging for the police” when faced with hundreds of peaceful demonstrators willing to be arrested.

Campaigners say the arrests raise serious questions about free speech, peaceful assembly and the practical enforcement of the law, particularly while the ban itself remains under appeal.

The protest was organised by Defend Our Juries, which said many of those detained were elderly or disabled and claimed the latest arrests showed the ban was becoming increasingly difficult to enforce consistently.

There was further controversy after reports that Devon and Cornwall Police did not make arrests at a similar protest in Truro on Friday, despite demonstrators there reportedly holding the same signs as those seen in London.

With the Court of Appeal due to hear the case on April 28 and 29, the latest arrests are likely to intensify pressure on both ministers and police over how far terrorism laws should be used in response to peaceful public protest.

Crime

Police and partners launch summer crackdown after Tenby station stabbings

Published

4 days ago

April 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Extra patrols, more rail security and tougher action promised after violent disorder left four youths injured

POLICE and partner agencies have announced a reinforced summer safety response following the violent disorder at Tenby railway station which left four youths with stab wounds.

Dyfed-Powys Police said it will work closely with Pembrokeshire County Council, British Transport Police and Transport for Wales in the coming weeks and months to ensure a robust response to anti-social behaviour and violent offending.

The move follows the serious disorder on Tuesday, April 7, at Tenby train station. British Transport Police, which now has primacy for the investigation, said enquiries are continuing at pace.

In a major joint statement, Superintendent Louise Harries, BCU Commander for Pembrokeshire, said the force does not want the spring and summer season to be “defined” by anti-social behaviour or violent disorder.

She said: “The events which took place at Tenby train station on Tuesday 7th April were wholly unacceptable. Dyfed-Powys Police responded in the immediate aftermath of the incident, but now our colleagues at British Transport Police have primacy over this investigation and are conducting fast-paced enquiries into establishing the facts.

“Whilst we maintain a strong working relationship with our partners all year round, this incident has of course prompted further specialised joint work to robustly tackle anti-social or violent incidents, as well as ensure the peace of mind of our communities.”

Members of the public can now expect to see a visible police presence in hotspot locations over the coming weeks and months, aimed both at reassuring communities and deterring potential offenders.

Police said officers will make arrests and pursue prosecutions where necessary, and may also use anti-social behaviour powers to require individuals to provide their details or leave a particular area for up to 48 hours.

Superintendent Harries also thanked residents and business owners for their support following the Tenby incident, saying community intelligence and reports to police would be vital in shaping the response.

Pembrokeshire County Council said the incident had been “deeply concerning” and acknowledged the anxiety it had caused among residents, businesses and visitors.

Richard Brown, Assistant Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire County Council, said the authority was working closely with the police and other agencies to support the ongoing investigation and tackle wider anti-social behaviour issues.

He said parents and carers should remain aware of where young people are spending time, particularly in the evenings, as the county moves towards the busy summer period.

British Transport Police also confirmed a further three teenagers were arrested on Wednesday (Apr 9) on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and violent disorder. They have since been released on bail.

A 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man who had already been arrested in connection with the incident have also been released on bail while further enquiries continue.

British Transport Police Superintendent Jonathon Cooze said: “We recognise the concern felt within the community following the recent incident at Tenby station, and I would like to reassure the public that our investigation is progressing at pace.”

He urged anyone who witnessed the incident, or events leading up to it, to contact British Transport Police quoting reference 916 of April 7.

Transport for Wales has also confirmed it will deploy extra security teams at stations and on rail services across west Wales this weekend and throughout the summer months.

Simon Turton, Security Manager at TfW, said additional security would focus particularly on late-night services and key locations, backed by CCTV at stations and on-board trains, as well as body-worn cameras used by train crew.

The latest developments mark a significant escalation in the official response to the Tenby violence, with police, transport operators and the council all signalling a tougher and more visible approach as the holiday season approaches.