A 28-year-old man, Rhydian Jamieson, from Cwm Cou, Newcastle Emlyn, has been handed a 35-year prison sentence for the attempted murder of his infant daughter in a village in West Wales. Jamieson hurled the baby at a television in a moment of uncontrollable anger and left the scene without checking on her, as revealed in court.
The judge criticized Jamieson for lacking genuine remorse for his deeds. Emergency services responded to a call at a property in Y Ferwig, Ceredigion, on January 15, where the baby was swiftly taken to Glangwili Hospital. Later, she was transferred to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and diagnosed with a fractured skull, brain bleeding, and severe bruising.
Despite a 12.5% reduction for his guilty plea, Jamieson received a 35-year sentence from Judge Paul Thomas KC, who condemned the act as one of extreme callousness. Jamieson’s attempt to retract his plea, non-cooperation with pre-sentence reports, and efforts to shift blame onto a family member were highlighted in court, portraying him as consumed by self-pity.
The court noted Jamieson’s criminal history, which includes driving offenses, criminal damage, assault, stalking, and public disorder. Impact statements from the child’s family painted Jamieson as a “monster” and a “pathetic man-child” seeking to harm an innocent child.
Caroline Rees KC, the prosecutor, outlined the severe physical and cognitive impairments suffered by the infant, including visual problems, potential lifelong epileptic seizures, and developmental delays indicative of cerebral palsy. The sentencing proceeded in Jamieson’s absence as he refused to attend, claiming wrongful accusations and mental anguish.
The case shed light on the profound impact of the assault on the baby and her family, who branded the defendant as a “disgusting individual” responsible for causing immense suffering.