James McKenna

A man who tried to kill his former partner in a park, leaving her with stab wounds to her chest, arm and hand, has been jailed for 24 years.

James McKenna, 58, from Carmarthen, fled after the attack and remained at large as police launched a major manhunt.

Officers were called to Carmarthen Park at around 4pm on January 29 following reports that a woman had been stabbed several times. She suffered multiple stab wounds and lacerations.

During the search, a rucksack containing a blood-stained knife was discovered in nearby allotments. But McKenna was still missing.

Police traced his movements into Ceredigion before arresting him in Aberystwyth on February 2. He was charged and remanded in custody two days later.

McKenna admitted wounding with intent and possessing a bladed article in public, but denied attempting to murder his ex-partner.

A jury rejected that denial, finding him guilty of attempted murder after a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court.

On October 9, he was sentenced to 24 years in prison, with a concurrent 12-month sentence for possessing the blade.

The court also imposed an indefinite restraining order.

Source: UK Database on Facebook