Carmarthenshire man found guilty of attempted murder in park stabbing

A Carmarthenshire man has been found guilty of attempted murder following a stabbing at Carmarthen park earlier this year.
James McKenna has been found guilty of attempted murder following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court.
The 57-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article in a public place, and wounding with intent, but denied attempted murder after he stabbed his ex-partner in an attack in Carmarthen Park.
Police received a report at around 4pm on Thursday, January 29 that a man had stabbed a woman several times, resulting in multiple lacerations and stab wounds to her chest, arm and hand.
The victim was 49-year-old Joanne Sidaway, who was the ex-partner of McKenna.
She screamed as she was attacked in the chest in the bushes of Carmarthen Park; and phoned for an ambulance, stating that “I’ve been stabbed by my ex-partner...he's been stalking me".
A jury at Swansea Crown Court heard it was "luck" that she did not die, and that her winter coat helped save her.
The suspect fled the scene, and police launched a large-scale manhunt to locate and arrest him. Amidst the hunt, a rucksack containing a blood-stained knife was found in a nearby allotment area - but the suspect was still at large.
Following an intensive effort to trace his movements into the Ceredigion area, police arrested McKenna on suspicion of attempted murder on Monday, February 2 in Aberystwyth.
He was subsequently charged and remanded into custody on Wednesday, February 4.
McKenna later pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article in a public place, and wounding with intent. He denied the attempted murder charge.
On Monday, July 27, the jury at Swansea Crown Court found McKenna guilty of attempted murder. He will be sentenced on Wednesday, September 2.
Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Sian Davies, said: “I’d like to thank the local community for their support during what was an incredibly shocking and distressing time for the people of Carmarthen, and further afield.
“I would also like to thank everyone who came forward with information during our public appeal to trace McKenna following this appalling attack.
“Incidents of this nature are extremely rare in our force area, and we remain committed to tackling violence against women and girls.
“James McKenna’s actions that day demonstrated a shocking level of pre-planned violence which could have easily led to the victim’s death. I extend my thanks to the jury for their verdict in this case.
“I hope that today’s result provides some reassurance for the victim as she begins to move forward with her life.
“I would like to recognise the dedication of the officers and staff from across Dyfed-Powys Police who were involved in the immediate response to the incident, the search to locate the suspect, and the diligent investigation that followed.”