Man Convicted of Murdering Infant Stepson in Swansea Home
A 29-year-old man has been found guilty of murdering his five-month-old stepson in a violent attack that followed an argument with his former partner. Thomas Morgan, of Gorseinon, Swansea, was convicted by a jury at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday for the killing of Jensen-Lee Dougal.
Catastrophic Injuries Led to Infant's Death
The court heard that Jensen-Lee Dougal died in hospital after sustaining catastrophic brain damage, multiple fractures, and extensive retinal bleeding in both eyes. The injuries were inflicted on March 30, 2024, at the family home in Swansea, where Morgan was left alone with the baby while the child's mother, Jordan Dougal, went to work.
Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC told the court that Morgan had argued with his ex-girlfriend, Georgia Griffiths, earlier that day and was "full of rage" when he assaulted the infant. Rees stated that Morgan "seriously abused the trust placed in him" by violently shaking Jensen-Lee, causing injuries so severe they led to the baby's death the following day.
False Claims of Attempted Rescue
Morgan had claimed he tried to save Jensen-Lee's life after the baby began choking and stopped breathing. He told Jordan Dougal this in a phone call while she was at work, prompting emergency services to be called. However, medical evidence presented in court contradicted his account, showing the injuries were consistent with violent shaking rather than choking.
The five-month-old was rushed to hospital but was found to have suffered a "devastating" brain injury. He was removed from life support on March 31, 2024, dying in his mother's arms at just five months old.
Detective Praises Family's Dignity
Detective Chief Inspector Lianne Rees of South Wales Police commented on the conviction, stating: "Today's conviction brings some measure of justice, but in no way eases the profound heartbreak Jensen-Lee's family continue to endure."
She paid tribute to the public, first responders, and medical staff who attempted to save Jensen-Lee's life, as well as acknowledging the "incredible dignity and strength" shown by the baby's family throughout the investigation and trial. The detective also thanked the investigation team, Crown Prosecution Service, and prosecution counsel for their work on what she described as a "very difficult investigation and trial."
Sentencing Scheduled for February
Thomas Morgan, who was in a relationship with Jensen-Lee's mother and was treated as the baby's stepfather, denied inflicting serious injuries on the infant. The jury rejected his defense and found him guilty of murder after deliberation. Morgan is scheduled to be sentenced on February 25, 2026.
The case has highlighted the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the vulnerability of infants in care situations. South Wales Police emphasized their commitment to thorough investigations in such sensitive cases, while the prosecution underscored the breach of trust involved when a caregiver becomes violent toward a child in their care.
