A SWANSEA father, described by the courts as “high risk,” has been sentenced to 23 months in prison after threatening to petrol bomb his partner’s car and decapitate her. The disturbing incident occurred nine months after the death of his son.
Ken Davies, 48, of Warwick Place, West Cross, Swansea, was seen outside Ms. Princess Rose’s property in West Cross at around 9:00pm on September 18, armed with a large black-handled knife.
“He was standing with another male who was trying to calm him down,” said Regan Walters KC, prosecuting. “He was heard shouting threats to petrol bomb her car and cut her head off while holding the knife.”
Davies, visibly intoxicated, then held the blade to his own head, declaring, “I have nothing to lose as I’ve lost my boy.” His alarming behaviour prompted Ms. Rose to contact the police.
Upon his arrest, Davies denied the allegations, but he was found guilty at Swansea Magistrates Court on November 14 of possessing a bladed article in public and breaching a suspended custodial sentence. Sentencing was delayed until Monday (Dec 9) to allow for a probation report.
The report painted a concerning picture. Despite attending six probation appointments recently, Davies tested positive for cocaine and displayed hostility toward probation officers.
“As a result, he’s a high risk to intimate partners, children, and the public,” said Walters. “There’s a significant risk of reoffending.”
Defending, Caitlin Brazel KC attributed Davies’ behaviour to the devastating loss of his son in January. “Since his son’s death, he has struggled deeply. He often doesn’t know what day it is,” she explained. The inquest into his son’s death, originally scheduled for December 4, has been postponed to March, leaving Davies without closure.
Magistrates sentenced Davies to 23 months in prison, half to be served in custody and the remainder under post-sentence supervision.
This case highlights the devastating impact of grief when compounded by substance abuse and hostility towards rehabilitation efforts.
