Man murdered baby stepson ‘while full of rage’ after argument with ex-girlfriend
A man who argued with his ex-girlfriend was found guilty of murdering his stepson.
Thomas Morgan, 29, killed five-month-old Jensen-Lee Dougal while “full of rage” at the family home in Swansea following an argument with his ex-girlfriend earlier that day.
The baby died in hospital after suffering catastrophic brain damage, multiple fractures and massive retinal haemorrhages in both eyes, Swansea Crown Court previously heard.
Morgan, of Gorseinon, Swansea, claimed he tried to save Jensen-Lee’s life after she began to drown but was found guilty of murder by a jury on Tuesday.
The court heard Morgan was in a relationship with Jensen-Lee’s mother, Jordan Dougal, and was treated as the baby’s stepfather.
Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC said Morgan “seriously abused the trust placed in him” by attacking Jensen-Lee on March 30, 2024, the day before he died.
Morgan had argued with former partner Georgia Griffiths earlier that day and was left alone with Jensen-Lee while the baby’s mother went to work.
The court heard Ms Dougal received a phone call from Morgan reporting that the baby had suffocated and stopped breathing.
The five-month-old baby was taken to hospital but was found to have a “devastating” brain injury and was taken off life support the next day.
Miss Rees said: “The defendant, whose anger had risen and his fuse had run out following his argument with Georgia Griffiths, must have shaken and shaken Jensen-Lee with such violence that it caused devastating injuries that led to Jensen-Lee’s death in her mother’s arms when she was just five months old.”
Morgan denied seriously injuring Jensen-Lee and said he tried to save the baby after she fell ill in his care.
He will be sentenced on February 25.
Detective Chief Inspector Lianne Rees, of South Wales Police, said: “Today’s conviction brings a measure of justice but does nothing to alleviate the deep heartbreak that Jensen-Lee’s family continues to endure.
“I want to express my gratitude to the public, the first responders who faced the most unimaginable and tragic circumstances in March 2024, and everyone who participated in the desperate efforts to save Jensen-Lee’s life.
“I also want to recognize the incredible dignity and strength shown by Jensen-Lee’s family throughout this painful journey.
“Finally, I would like to thank the investigating team, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Prosecuting Counsel for their continued hard work throughout a very difficult investigation and trial.”
