James McKenna has denied the attempted murder of his former partner Joanne Sidaway, who was attacked while walking her dog in Carmarthen Park on January 29 this year. The defendant has admitted wounding with intent and possessing a bladed article in a public place.
Defendant gives evidence
Defence counsel Caroline Rees KC called McKenna to give evidence. He accepted that he assaulted Miss Sidaway but said his intention was not to kill her, only to cause serious injury. He first met her online in 2022 in a photography class, and they were in a relationship for about a year from 2024. The relationship ended in September 2025, with a brief on-off period until Joanne ended it in November 2025.
McKenna said he felt "very distressed and sad" after the breakup and did not accept it immediately. About a week and a half before the attack, he saw Miss Sidaway but she showed no interest in speaking with him. At this, he said: "I lost my composure."
Attack details
McKenna told the court he was aware Miss Sidaway frequented Carmarthen Park. He returned on the day of the attack, hid in a bush with a concealed knife, and saw her at around 4pm. He then attacked her, aiming "high up" on the body. He said he did not intend to hurt any of her organs and "never" wanted to see her killed. Under cross-examination by prosecutor James Wilson, McKenna said he did not maintain eye contact or see what he was doing.
McKenna said he "very much regrets" not handing himself in. Instead, he sheltered in the Bronwydd area for three nights, then travelled to Aberystwyth and checked into Bronglais Hospital, where he "knew" he would be arrested. He described carrying out a "frenzied attack" on Miss Sidaway with a knife. "I did not want to kill Joanne," he said.
Medical evidence
Forensic physician Professor Jason James-Payne gave evidence, showing images of injuries including to her chest. He said the injuries were caused by "a sharp knife with a sharp point." Cuts to the hands were "very suggestive" of defensive actions, with the arm likely raised to stop the attack. The trial continues.
