Fifty-eight-year-old James McKenna has been jailed for 24 years after he was found guilty of trying to kill his ex-partner in an incident at Carmarthen Park on January 29.
McKenna, who is from Carmarthen, pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article in a public place, and wounding with intent, but denied attempted murder.
Following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court, McKenna was found guilty of attempted murder and today returned to court to face sentencing.
Dyfed-Powys 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 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 James McKenna on suspicion of attempted murder on Monday, February 2 in Aberystwyth. He was subsequently charged and remanded into custody on Wednesday, February 4.
On October 9, McKenna was sentenced to 24 years in jail for the attempted murder, and a 12-month concurrent sentence for possession of a bladed article. He was also made subject to an indefinite restraining order.
Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Sian Davies, said: “We welcome today’s sentencing, and extend our thanks to all involved in the court process which ultimately brought James McKenna to face justice for his horrific act of violence.
“I’d like to thank the local community in Carmarthen for their support during our initial response to this shocking incident. I hope this serves as a reminder that we will take robust action against anyone seeking to do harm in our communities.
“Today marks the end of a complex investigation, and I’d like to extend my thanks to the team who worked hard to bring this case before the courts.
“My final thoughts remain with the victim in this case, and I hope she feels able to move forward in her recovery from this traumatic incident.”
