A father has been handed a 35-year prison sentence for attempting to murder his baby daughter in a shocking act of violence in West Wales.
A 'Fit of Uncontrollable Temper'
Rhydian Jamieson, 28, of Cwm Cou, Newcastle Emlyn, threw the infant at a television in what was described in court as a "fit of uncontrollable temper". The attack occurred on January 15 at an address in Y Ferwig, Ceredigion.
Jamieson then left the scene without checking on the child's welfare. Emergency services were called following concerns for the young girl, who was rushed to Glangwili Hospital before being transferred to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.
There, medics discovered the infant had suffered a catalogue of severe injuries, including:
- Bleeding on the brain
- A fractured skull
- Severe bruising
'Not a Scintilla of Remorse'
Jamieson 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 described the attack as an "act of horrendous callousness and self-interest". The 35-year term reflected a 12.5% reduction for his guilty plea.
The court heard Jamieson had tried to vacate his guilty plea, failed to co-operate with pre-sentence reports, and had sought to blame a family member for the child's injuries. He was described as being "consumed purely by self-pity".
Jamieson refused to attend his own sentencing hearing, claiming he had been wrongfully charged and had already suffered enough mentally.
Lifelong Impact and Family Anguish
Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC outlined the devastating, lifelong consequences for the child. The infant now suffers from:
- Significant physical and intellectual impairments
- Visual difficulties
- Likely lifelong epileptic seizures
- Global developmental delays with features of cerebral palsy
Impact statements from the child's family labelled 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 pain.
The court was told Jamieson has a history of previous convictions, including driving offences, criminal damage, common assault, stalking, and public disorder.
The case has starkly highlighted the profound and permanent impact of the attack on both the vulnerable victim and her traumatised family.
