Newport Man Jailed After Brutal Doorstep Baseball Bat Attack

A Newport man has been jailed after a brutal assault that left his victim unconscious on his own doorstep. 😡

Logan Welch, 34, of no fixed abode, attacked Lee Willmott outside the victim’s home in Newport on May 5 last year, following an earlier altercation at Bailey’s public house.

Cardiff Crown Court heard that approximately 30 minutes after Mr Willmott arrived home, he heard commotion outside and opened his door to find Welch approaching with a bottle of wine.

Prosecutor Pamela Kaiga told the court that after a brief confrontation, “The victim ended up on the floor and Welch sat on top of him to pin him down. He repeatedly hit Mr Willmott to the head as he pleaded with the defendant to stop, saying he had children.”

“The victim was genuinely scared the defendant was going to kill him,” Ms Kaiga added.

Witnesses reported that Welch appeared to attempt to stamp on the victim during the “relentless” attack, in which he used a child’s wooden baseball bat.

Mr Willmott was taken to hospital where he was treated for facial bruising, blurred vision, and a fractured rib.

In a victim personal statement, Mr Willmott said: “It made me feel so anxious about everything. I suffered recent anxiety due to serious illness in my family but I had recovered from this, was free from medication and had returned to full time employment. This incident straight away made me feel anxious and I had anxiety over my injuries. I was so anxious I didn’t want to leave the house. I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression but I am keen to come off the medication. I am anxious about scars to my face… My physical appearance was frightening, I had cuts and bruises all over my face… I haven’t worked since this incident and I am relying on benefits.”

Judge Hywel James sentenced Welch to 54 months imprisonment with an extended licence period of two years after finding him to be a dangerous offender. The judge stated: “You were out of control, fuelled by lager and drugs. You were triggered by a perceived slight to you at the public house. It was a prolonged and persistent attack.”

Welch must serve two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for parole and was made subject to a restraining order for seven years. 🔒