The Swansea Crown Court sentenced 28-year-old Rhydian Lynne Rhys Jamieson to 35 years after he admitted throwing his infant daughter at a television in January, causing catastrophic injuries. Medical evidence described a fractured skull, brain bleeding and extensive bruising, and doctors say the child will need lifelong care. Jamieson sent apologetic texts after the attack but refused to attend his sentencing, prompting the judge to call him a "coward." Authorities say they cannot explain what prompted the assault and emphasize that any explanation would not excuse it.
Father Jailed 35 Years After Throwing Infant Daughter At TV, Causing Catastrophic Lifelong Injuries
Anthony Devlin - PA Images/PA Images via Getty; Dyfed-Powys PoliceSwansea Crown Court; Rhydian Lyn Rhys Jamieson
A British father, Rhydian Lynne Rhys Jamieson, 28, has been jailed for 35 years after admitting that in January he threw his infant daughter at a television, inflicting catastrophic injuries that will require lifelong care.
Sentence And Court Details
The sentence was handed down at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, Jan. 12. Jamieson pleaded guilty in April. He refused to attend the sentencing hearing, where Judge Paul Thomas KC described him as a "coward" for his absence and condemned the attack as an act of "the most horrendous callousness and self-interest." Under the terms of the sentence, Jamieson must serve two-thirds of the 35-year term before becoming eligible to apply for parole.
Dyfed-Powys PoliceRhydian Lyn Rhys Jamieson
Injuries And Medical Evidence
Medical evidence presented in court detailed severe and permanent harm: a fractured skull, bleeding to the brain and widespread cuts and bruising. Doctors told the court the child has irreversible brain damage and will require ongoing, lifelong care.
Victim's Mother And Text Messages
The child’s mother—who was not publicly identified—addressed Jamieson in court, condemning his actions. She told him:
Matthew Horwood/GettySwansea Crown Court
"You're nothing but a spiteful, disgusting person. The impact on my child will last for the rest of my life. I'll never understand what you were thinking. It doesn't matter how long you'll get because it will never be enough."
Police also disclosed a series of texts Jamieson sent to the mother shortly after the attack, quoted in court as:
"I'm sorry for what I've done."
"I'm scared. I think I've killed someone."
"I'm going to be on the news."
Police Reaction
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Williams of Dyfed-Powys Police described the assault as "an appalling act of violence towards a defenseless baby — his own daughter — who had been left in Jamieson’s care." Authorities said they have been unable to establish what caused Jamieson to "snap," and stressed that any explanation would not excuse the violence.
The case has been reported by multiple outlets, including the BBC, the Liverpool Echo and Wales Online.
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