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A man has been convicted of attempted murder after fatally stabbing his former partner in a Carmarthen park, which triggered an extensive four-day manhunt. On 29 January, Joanne Sidaway, aged 49, was violently attacked by 57-year-old James McKenna amid the bushes in Carmarthen Park. During the assault, Sidaway screamed for help and later called emergency services, telling them she had been stabbed by her ex-partner who had been stalking her.
Testimony at Swansea Crown Court revealed that Sidaway’s survival was attributed to a combination of luck and her winter coat, which helped protect her from more severe injury. McKenna managed to evade capture for three days by hiding in nearby woodland without any food or water. He was ultimately detained at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth while seeking treatment for suspected frostbite. Prior to the trial’s conclusion, McKenna admitted to wounding with intent and is set to return to court for sentencing on 2 September.
During the proceedings, McKenna explained his actions, admitting that he had intentionally brought the sharpest knife from his kitchen with him that day, intending to harm Sidaway. He expressed deep regret over the breakup of their one-year relationship and stated that while he wanted to cause serious injury, he did not wish to kill her. He described feeling anger and frustration after multiple unsuccessful attempts to engage with Sidaway earlier on the morning of the attack. Returning later that afternoon, McKenna concealed himself between hedges and launched the sudden assault while Sidaway was walking her dog.
Eyewitness Susan Edwards recounted hearing intense screams and noises from the bushes before witnessing a man flee the scene. Sidaway’s 999 call was played to the court, during which she urgently requested an ambulance, describing her injuries and stating, “I’ve been stabbed by my ex-partner.” Evidence presented included bodycam footage showing her bloodied and injured on her doorstep and detailed the extent of damage to her clothing and wounds on her chest, arm, and hand. Following the attack, McKenna discarded his bag—containing the knife—at a nearby allotment, subsequently sheltering in a remote woodland area for three nights before traveling to hospital, where he was arrested. He expressed remorse for his actions and sorrow over the impact on Sidaway.
Detective Chief Inspector Sian Davies, the lead investigator, publicly thanked the local community for their support throughout what she described as a distressing period for Carmarthen residents. She highlighted the premeditated nature of McKenna’s violent attack and praised the jury for delivering a verdict that she hopes will help bring reassurance to the victim as she begins to rebuild her life
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