Stepfather Receives Life Sentence for Murder of Infant in Swansea
Thomas Morgan, a 29-year-old stepfather, has been jailed for life after shaking his partner's five-month-old baby to death in a violent attack triggered by a heated argument with a former girlfriend. The tragic incident occurred at the family home in Swansea while the infant's mother was at work, leaving the child with catastrophic injuries that proved fatal.
Details of the Violent Assault and Court Proceedings
At Swansea Crown Court, Judge Mary Stacey described how Morgan launched an "extremely violent attack" on Jensen-Lee Dougal on March 30, 2024. The baby suffered severe brain damage, multiple fractures, and extensive retinal bleeding in both eyes, leading to his death the following day after being taken off life support. Morgan had been alone with the infant following a dispute with his ex-girlfriend, Georgia Griffiths, over text messages, which prosecutors said left him "full of rage."
Caroline Rees KC, prosecuting, stated that Morgan "seriously abused the trust placed in him" and that the abusive exchange with Ms. Griffiths had "flipped some kind of switch," rendering him angry and aggressive. Despite Morgan's denial of inflicting injuries and claims that he tried to save the baby from choking, a jury found him guilty of murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Sentencing and Emotional Impact on the Family
Judge Stacey sentenced Morgan to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 19 years, emphasizing that the violent shaking, though brief, was forceful enough to cause extensive internal head injuries. In a heartfelt statement after the sentencing, Jensen-Lee's mother, Jordan Dougal, expressed her profound grief, stating that her life has been "permanently changed" and that she lives with "overwhelming grief, trauma, and emotional pain." She lamented missing milestones like hearing her son's first words or seeing him grow up, describing her own life sentence as one of sorrow.
This case highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence and child abuse, underscoring the importance of safeguarding vulnerable infants in caregiving situations.
