Killer Gets Life for Fatal Cardiff Park Stabbing

A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of James Brogan in St Mellons, Cardiff. ⚖️

Georgie Tannetta stabbed James in the arm near the ‘Train’ park off Coleford Road on November 12, 2024, causing cardiac arrest. James was found with serious injuries and died in hospital shortly after.

Tannetta, of Trowbridge, Cardiff, denied murder, manslaughter and possession of a bladed article but was convicted of murder by a jury at Newport Crown Court in May. Today, he was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court to life imprisonment and must serve a minimum of 22 years.

James’ daughter Sophie paid tribute: “My dad wasn’t just our dad; he was the centre of our family. If someone needed help, he showed up. That’s the kind of man he was. Without him we feel broken, and we feel lost. There is nothing we can say to bring him back, but we can speak about what we have lost. He was a father, a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend. To know him was to love him, and to lose him like this has been unbearable. Carrying a knife is not harmless. It carries risks and it brings pain. And it can end lives. Our dad’s death must stand as a reminder that there are consequences for this kind of violence.”

Detective Inspector Rebecca Merchant from the South Wales Police Major Crime Investigation Team said: “James Brogan was very much loved by his family and friends. His death has left a huge hole in their lives. Our thoughts are with his today family as they have been throughout. We hope today’s sentence provides them with some peace and allows them to begin the healing process. This tragic case yet again highlights the devastating and far-reaching consequences of knife crime. Taking knives onto our streets will not be tolerated. South Wales Police will continue to work tirelessly to target and disrupt those involved in the sort of criminality that led to James’ death. If you have suspicions that someone may be carrying a knife, please contact police. Speaking out could save someone’s life.”