The trial of James McKenna, accused of attempting to murder his former partner Joanne Sidaway as she walked her dog in Carmarthen Park, continued at Swansea Crown Court on Thursday with closing speeches from both sides.
Prosecution's argument
Prosecution barrister James Wilson told the jury the central issue was intent. He argued that the weapon used, the ferocity of the attack, and the number of stabs and slashes to Ms Sidaway and her clothes showed McKenna intended to kill. Mr Wilson said: “Hiding in the bushes was a calculated act... To put it bluntly, he ambushed her... McKenna repeatedly stabbed Miss Sidaway at least 11 times with a knife. This was a planned attack. A frenzied attack. We say it shows what his intention was. We say the only reason he didn’t actually kill her is pure luck.”
Mr Wilson noted McKenna told the court he was sorry, but said it was for the jury to decide. “He didn’t know if she was bleeding out - he ran. He made his way to an allotment shed, ate yoghurt, and then went into hiding. He didn’t make a call to the emergency room service to request help - he ran.”
Defence's argument
Defence barrister Caroline Rees acknowledged the jury would be appalled by McKenna's actions but urged them to decide based on evidence, not emotion. She warned against relying on medical evidence to determine intent, saying “a chest injury could cause death, that does not mean that is what the defendant intended”. She asked why McKenna stabbed through clothing rather than going for the neck if he had a “settled and determined intent to kill”. “If he had wanted to kill her, why didn’t he do so? He had the chance to kill but didn’t.”
Judge's direction
Judge Paul Thomas KC told the jury they are the only judges of the facts and must decide based only on evidence heard, not speculation. He urged them to use common sense and try the case “with your heads and not with your hearts”.
McKenna, 57, of Bro Hedydd, Carmarthen, denies attempted murder but admits wounding with intent and possessing a bladed article. The trial continues on Monday.
