A West Wales man has been handed a 35-year prison sentence for the attempted murder of his baby daughter, in a case described by a judge as an act of "horrendous callousness".
'Fit of Uncontrollable Temper' in Ceredigion Village
Rhydian Jamieson, aged 28 and from Cwm Cou, Newcastle Emlyn, threw the infant at a television in what the court heard was a "fit of uncontrollable temper". The attack took place at an address in Y Ferwig, Ceredigion, on January 15. After the violent assault, Jamieson left the scene without checking on the child's welfare.
Emergency services were called to the property following concerns for the young child. The baby was first treated at Glangwili Hospital before being transferred to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. There, medical professionals discovered devastating injuries including:
- Bleeding on the brain
- A fractured skull
- Severe bruising
A Complete Lack of Remorse and Lengthy Sentence
Jamieson had pleaded guilty to attempted murder at Swansea Crown Court in April last year. However, Judge Paul Thomas KC, the honorary recorder of Swansea, stated the defendant had shown "not a scintilla of true remorse" for his actions.
The judge imposed a 35-year prison term, which reflected a 12.5% reduction for his guilty plea. Judge Thomas described the attack as driven purely by "self-interest" and noted Jamieson was "consumed purely by self-pity".
The court was told Jamieson had tried to vacate his guilty plea, failed to co-operate with pre-sentence reports, and had previously sought to blame a family member for the child's catastrophic injuries. The sentencing hearing was held in his absence after he refused to attend, claiming he had been wrongfully charged and had "suffered enough mentally".
Lifelong Impact and Family's Anguish
Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC outlined the profound and permanent consequences for the child. The infant has suffered:
- Significant physical and intellectual impairments
- Visual difficulties
- Likely lifelong epileptic seizures
- Global developmental delays with features of cerebral palsy
In impact statements, the child's family branded Jamieson a "monster" and a "pathetic man-child who wanted to inflict pain on an innocent child". They described him as a "disgusting person" responsible for causing immense and lasting pain.
Jamieson has a previous criminal record which includes convictions for driving offences, criminal damage, common assault, stalking, and public disorder. The case has starkly highlighted the devastating and permanent impact of domestic violence on the most vulnerable victims.
