Unanimous jury hears harrowing medical evidence during trial at Swansea Crown Court

A WEST WALES man has been found guilty of killing his five-month-old son after subjecting him to what medical experts described as violent shaking that caused catastrophic brain and eye injuries.

Thomas Morgan was convicted unanimously by a jury following a trial into the death of baby Jensen-Lee, who suffered fatal injuries at the family home on Saturday (Mar 30, 2024).

The court heard that after the injuries were inflicted, Morgan did not immediately call emergency services. Instead, he contacted his partner, despite later telling the court that his phone was not working properly.

Jurors were told this delay was significant when considering his actions in the crucial minutes after the baby became unresponsive.

Giving evidence on Thursday (Feb 6), Morgan told the court: “He was limp, I thought it was normal.”

Describing the moments after picking up his son, he said: “I scooped sick out of his mouth. I remember graphic bits, the same way I have nightmares, but I don’t remember what I did.”

Asked directly how hard he had shaken the child, Morgan replied: “I can’t remember how much force I used. I was in a total state of panic. I couldn’t describe it. I never intended to harm him.”

Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC challenged his account, suggesting the force used must have been extreme given the scale of the injuries later uncovered.

Medical specialists gave evidence that the baby’s injuries could not have been caused accidentally or by normal handling.

Dr Stavros, Head of Paediatric Neurology, told the jury there was no sign of an impact injury to the head but confirmed extensive internal damage consistent with violent shaking.

He said Jensen-Lee had acute subdural haemorrhages across multiple areas of the brain as well as bleeding along the spine.

The consultant described the findings as highly abnormal and severe.

In one stark moment, he told jurors that if someone were seen shaking a child with that level of force in public, “we would run over to stop it.”

A children’s eye specialist, Mr Abduls from a Birmingham teaching hospital, described what he called catastrophic eye trauma.

The retinal bleeding and tearing was so extensive that he said he could not tell which images belonged to the left or right eye, with photographs labelled simply “Eye A” and “Eye B”.

Jurors heard that such injuries are strongly associated with violent acceleration and deceleration forces.

Morgan was arrested ten days after the incident. When detained, he told officers: “I don’t know what injuries — he was my boy, I tried to help him.”

During closing speeches, the defence urged jurors to remain objective.

Counsel said: “We all have Jensen-Lee at the forefront of our minds. It’s difficult to think of a more emotive case than this. Consider this case with your heads, not your hearts.”

After deliberating, the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.

There were audible cries from the public gallery as the decision was delivered, where members of Jensen-Lee’s family had attended throughout the trial.

Morgan is due to be sentenced on Wednesday (Feb 25).

Admits cocaine and cannabis supply but denies intent and cash allegations

A MILFORD HAVEN pub landlord has admitted supplying cocaine and cannabis but denied a series of further drugs and cash-related offences during a Crown Court hearing in Swansea.

Daniel Booth appeared at Swansea Crown Court at 11:00am on Wednesday (Feb 11) for a plea and trial preparation hearing before His Honour Judge Paul Thomas KC.

Booth, the licensee of The Vibe on Charles Street, faced an indictment containing seven counts covering a two-year period.

He pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, a Class A drug, between January 3, 2024 and January 6, 2026.

He also admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis, a Class B drug, over the same period, and pleaded guilty to simple possession of cannabis found at his address.

However, Booth denied possessing cannabis with intent to supply, denied possessing cocaine with intent to supply, denied simple possession of cocaine relating to December 30, 2025, and denied possessing criminal property, namely £1,682.95 in cash alleged to be the proceeds of crime.

Defence counsel indicated a written basis of plea would be served on the prosecution. Judge Thomas directed the Crown to consider the pleas within seven days.

The court heard that if the pleas are accepted, the matter will proceed directly to sentencing. If not, a trial will be listed, likely within the next six months.

Booth was remanded in custody pending the next hearing.

The Herald previously reported that police allege cocaine was discovered concealed inside the air filter of a van linked to Booth, along with cash seized at the time of his arrest, and small quantities of drugs located during a search of his home.

The case is due to return to Swansea Crown Court next week for further directions.

Police forced entry after hearing child’s voice inside darkened home

A HAVERFORDWEST mother has been sentenced after drinking heavily while left in sole charge of her two-year-old child.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons in order to protect the identity of the child, appeared before magistrates at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard officers were called to her home on the night of March 12, 2025, following concerns about the amount of alcohol she had consumed while caring for the toddler.

Prosecutor Nia James said police received reports that she had been drinking into the early hours.

“Officers were told she had consumed nine cans of lager and two cans of gin and tonic,” she said.

“And this was happening while she was caring for her two-year-old child.”

When officers arrived at the property, they found it in complete darkness. Despite repeated knocking, kicking and using a baton on the door for around 30 minutes, there was no response.

“Inside, they could hear a childlike voice which led them to believe the child was alone,” said Ms James. “Officers tried to gain access to save life or limb.”

Police eventually forced entry by breaking the lock with a hammer.

Once inside, they called out to the defendant and found her in bed, unresponsive at first.

“They were initially concerned for her welfare and began checking for signs of life,” the prosecutor said. “She smelled strongly of alcohol but became responsive, although she struggled to answer simple questions.”

The two-year-old child was found alone in another room. The court heard the youngster appeared unfazed by the police presence.

During interview, the woman told officers she believed she would have woken if the child had cried.

The child is now in the care of social services.

The defendant pleaded guilty to causing neglect, abandonment and ill treatment of a child likely to cause unnecessary suffering.

Magistrates imposed an 18-month community order. She must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and undertake a 19-day alcohol monitoring programme. She was also ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.

When passing sentence, the presiding magistrate asked: “Do you love your child? If you do, do you think this is a good way to proceed? You really need to make more of an effort.”