Man Accused of Killing Baby Stepson While 'Full of Rage' Following Argument
A man has been accused of killing his five-month-old stepson while allegedly "full of rage" following a heated argument with his ex-girlfriend, Swansea Crown Court has heard. Thomas Morgan, aged 29, is charged with murder and inflicting serious injuries on Jensen-Lee Dougal, but denies all allegations, claiming he tried to save the baby after he fell ill.
Catastrophic Injuries Revealed in Court
The court was told that the infant suffered catastrophic brain damage, multiple fractures, and extensive retinal bleeding in both eyes. Prosecutors allege that Morgan shook the baby with such violence at the family home in Swansea on 30 March 2024 that it led to these devastating injuries.
Prosecution Details Abusive Exchange and Trust Betrayal
Caroline Rees KC, prosecuting, stated that Morgan had argued with his former partner, Georgia Griffiths, on the day of the incident. In an angry exchange of messages, he reportedly called her names like "stinking rat" and "stinking little dog". Ms Rees told the jury: "It is clear that this abusive exchange had flipped some kind of switch in Thomas Morgan. By the time he was alone with Jensen-Lee, he was angry and aggressive and in no state of mind to be caring for a young baby on his own."
She added that Morgan "seriously abused the trust placed in him" when left alone with the child, who was treated as his stepson due to his relationship with the mother, Jordan Dougal.
Emergency Response and Hospital Tragedy
The court heard that Ms Dougal, who was at work, received a call from Morgan informing her that the baby was choking and had stopped breathing. Morgan then fled the house with the infant, after which a neighbour performed CPR and called an ambulance. In hospital, Jensen-Lee was found to have a "devastating" brain injury and was taken off life support the following day.
Defence Claims Attempt to Save Baby
Morgan, from Gorseinon in Swansea, denies the charges of murder and three counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He asserts that he tried to save the baby after he fell ill in his care, stating that he left Jensen-Lee briefly to fetch a clean babygro and returned to find him unresponsive with vomit in his mouth.
However, the prosecution contends that Morgan's temper, raised after the argument, led him to shake the baby violently, resulting in fatal injuries. The trial continues as the court examines the evidence in this tragic case.
