A man is facing trial for the alleged murder of his five-month-old stepson following a fit of rage in Swansea. Thomas Morgan, 29, reportedly denies the charges relating to the death of Jensen-Lee Dougal at their residence.
According to Swansea Crown Court, Morgan is accused of causing fatal injuries to the baby by shaking him violently in a state of anger after a dispute with his ex-girlfriend earlier that same day. The jury was informed that Jensen-Lee sustained severe brain damage, multiple fractures, and extensive retinal bleeding in both eyes as a result of the alleged assault.
Morgan, residing in Gorseinon, Swansea, is charged with the murder of Jensen-Lee and three counts of intentionally causing him grievous bodily harm. The court learned that Morgan was in a relationship with Jensen-Lee’s mother, Jordan Dougal, and acted as the child’s stepfather.
During the trial opening, Caroline Rees KC, acting as the prosecutor, claimed that Morgan breached the trust placed in him by causing harm to the infant, with the most critical injury said to have occurred on March 30, 2024, the day before Jensen-Lee passed away.
Allegedly, Morgan engaged in an argument with his former partner, Georgia Griffiths, leading to a hostile exchange of messages where he used derogatory terms. When left alone with Jensen-Lee while Dougal was at work, Morgan’s demeanor reportedly shifted, becoming aggressive and unfit to care for the baby.
While at work, Dougal received a distress call from Morgan, stating that Jensen-Lee was in distress and had stopped breathing. Morgan then rushed to a neighbor for help, who performed CPR on the baby before alerting emergency services.
Jensen-Lee was rushed to the hospital with a severe brain injury and was taken off life support the next day. Morgan denies causing the injuries to the baby, claiming he found Jensen-Lee unresponsive with vomit in his mouth after briefly leaving him to retrieve fresh attire.
Prosecutor Rees argued that Morgan, in an enraged state following his altercation with Griffiths, likely lost control and violently shook Jensen-Lee, leading to the fatal injuries that resulted in the infant’s untimely death at just five months old.
The trial is ongoing.