Man Sentenced to 24 Years for Attempted Murder of Ex-Partner

James McKenna has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for the attempted murder of his ex-partner, Joanne Sidaway, whom he repeatedly stabbed in a park in January. The attack, described by the judge as "wholly calculated," led to a four-day manhunt for McKenna.

McKenna, 58, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent but was found guilty of attempted murder in July. On Friday, Judge Paul Thomas KC stated that McKenna had left Sidaway, 49, to die in the bushes after the assault. He will serve two-thirds of his sentence before being released on license. The court heard that McKenna had waited for Sidaway in Carmarthen Park, hiding in bushes before attacking her as she walked her dog. He admitted to bringing a sharp knife to the park with the intention of causing Sidaway "serious harm."

During the trial, McKenna told the jury he was angry after their relationship ended a few months prior. He claimed he was aiming for her shoulder and upper body, stating he did not intend to kill her. He testified that the attack was interrupted by Sidaway's screams and a neighbor's shout. A neighbor, Susan Edwards, recounted hearing "high-pitched screaming" and the "bushes shaking" before a man fled the scene. Sidaway managed to call for an ambulance, telling the dispatcher, "I've been stabbed by my ex-partner... he's been stalking me."

Following the attack, McKenna fled and discarded his rucksack and the knife at an allotment. He then walked to a nearby village and hid in woodland for three nights without food or water. He was eventually arrested at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth, where he sought medical treatment for suspected frostbite. Police bodycam footage shown to the jury depicted Sidaway sitting on her doorstep, covered in blood, as paramedics attended to her. Court evidence included details of 17 areas of damage to Sidaway's coat and images of her blood-stained clothing and injuries to her chest, arm, and hand. Sidaway chose not to provide a victim personal statement.

This is not the first instance of domestic violence involving McKenna. He was convicted of assault against a previous ex-partner in August 2016 for pushing her and pulling her hair. Prosecution barrister James Wilson noted this prior conviction indicated McKenna's "unwillingness to accept the end of that relationship."

Defending counsel Caroline Rees KC highlighted McKenna's remorse since the incident, referencing a letter in which he expressed sorrow and regret. Lucy Mansfield of the Crown Prosecution Service called McKenna's actions "cold and calculated," emphasizing the terror the attack must have caused the victim and stating the CPS's commitment to tackling such offenses. Sara Kirkpatrick, Chief Executive of Welsh Women's Aid, characterized the attack as "carefully planned" and noted that post-separation abuse and stalking are common. She stressed the importance of social change to prevent individuals from seeking vengeance in this manner.