Man guilty of murdering partner's five-month-old baby

Warning: This article contains distressing details

A 29-year-old man has been found guilty of murdering his partner's five-month-old baby.

Jensen-Lee-Dougal, who was described as a "happy baby" that was adored by his family, died on 31 March 2024 after suffering "catastrophic brain injuries".

During a trial at Swansea Crown Court, Thomas Morgan, from Gorseinon, was also found guilty of one count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, but found not guilty on two counts of the same charge.

He will be sentenced on 25 February.

Morgan showed no emotion from the dock as the verdict was given. There were cries from the public gallery from Jensen-Lee's family as the jury gave their unanimous verdict.

During the four-week trial the jury heard distressing evidence, involving baby Jensen-Lee's injuries which were consistent with "violent shaking".

The court heard how Morgan was looking after Jensen-Lee while his partner Jordan Dougal went to work on 30 March 2024. He had become angry following an abusive text exchange with an ex-girlfriend.

The jury were shown "horrific and unforgettable" CCTV images of a "limp and lifeless" Jensen-Lee being carried out of their home on Players Avenue, Clydach, Swansea, in the arms of Thomas Morgan.

Morgan was regarded as Jensen-Lee's stepfather after he met the baby early into his relationship with Jordan Dougal, moving into the family home in mid-January 2024.

Jordan Dougal said her son was "a really happy baby" and that she "never had any issues" with Morgan caring for her son, adding that she thought she had found their family.

Thomas Morgan was described by Jordan Dougal as being "brilliant" with Jensen-Lee and his own two children.

Baby's injuries 'consistent with violent shaking'

Thomas Morgan had told the jury he had left Jensen-Lee in the living room to let the dogs out of the kitchen door. He noticed the dog had "been to the toilet in the house" and proceeded to clean up the mess with antibacterial spray and a mop.

On returning to the lounge, he said he he noticed the baby had been sick, so went upstairs to find a clean babygrow but struggled to find the right size.

Morgan said that when he returned to the lounge, he noticed Jensen-Lee had been sick again and, fearing he was choking on vomit, tried putting his fingers in his mouth and shaking him "gently" out of panic.

However medical evidence given during the trial said that Jensen Lee's injuries were consistent with "violent shaking".

Morgan was asked why he did not immediately call an ambulance after the incident.

The 29-year-old argued it was because of issues with the speaker on his phone. However, Jordan Dougal told the court when he phoned her to raise the alarm, he sounded "clear as day".

Morgan told neighbours to call 999. Judge Justice Stacey had paid tribute to the neighbours who performed CPR on the baby boy while waiting for the ambulance.

Caroline Rees KC told the jury, "Morgan has spun a web of lies and deceit in an attempt to cover up his guilt."

'Worst injuries experts had ever seen'

Jensen Lee's injuries included catastrophic brain injuries, multiple fractures and haemorrhaging behind his eye.

Evidence of rib fractures was also found, while Jensen-Lee's brain injury was described by neurosurgeons as "devastating".

Expert witnesses told the court that the injuries sustained by Jensen-Lee Dougal were among the worst they had ever seen.

Dr Shafqat Bukhari, from Royal Manchester Children Hospital, said there was catastrophic bleeding to the brain as well as the spinal cord even though there were no outward signs of any injuries.

He said that the shaking would have been so violent that anybody witnessing a baby being shaken like that from across a street would have immediately crossed the road to stop it happening.

The doctor also said that in his opinion Jensen-Lee Dougal would have been rendered unconscious almost immediately by the severity of the shaking, and it could not be as a result of rough play or an attempt at resuscitation.

The baby was transported to University Hospital Wales in Cardiff and suffered a cardiac arrest.

Jordan Dougal told the court: "He would just be stuck to a machine for the rest of his life," adding, "I didn't want to remember him like that when he was such a happy baby."

Judge Justice Stacey thanked the jury during an "awful trial" describing it as "the saddest of all cases".

She also thanked barristers and the police for their work, as well as Jensen-Lee's family who have sat through the trial.

Morgan will be sentenced on 25 February.