Man jailed for the attempted murder of his ex-partner

A Carmarthen man who attacked his ex-partner with a knife has been jailed for 24 years at Swansea Crown Court.

James McKenna, 58, took a kitchen knife with him to Carmarthen Park on 29 January 2026, and waited in the bushes for his ex-partner who was walking her dog.

When she was close, McKenna emerged from the bushes and repeatedly stabbed her causing wounds to her chest, arm and hand.

Paramedics attended and treated the victim. McKenna had already run away from the area, and police found him on 2 February 206 at Bronglas Hospital in Aberystwyth.

During the trial at Swansea Crown Court, McKenna admitted he attended the park with the knife with the intention of using it to hurt his ex-partner, but he denied the charge of attempted murder.

However, a jury having heard all the evidence in the case, found McKenna guilty of attempted murder.

Lucy Mansfield of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “The Crown Prosecution Service takes violence against women and girls extremely seriously.

“McKenna’s actions were cold and calculated, deliberately taking a knife to a public place to attack his ex-partner.

“He committed a shocking act of violence, which must have been terrifying for the victim.

“We will continue to work with our partners in the criminal justice system to tackle these abhorrent offences.”

James McKenna was sentenced on 9 October 2026 to 24 years and an indefinite restraining order was also imposed.