Tredegar Man Jailed After Brutal Baseball Bat Attack

A Tredegar man has been jailed after a vicious assault where he struck his victim with a baseball bat, fracturing his skull in what the court described as a “revenge” attack. 🏏⚖️

Thomas Morgan, 35, appeared at Newport Crown Court after pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon in public following the incident on July 21.

The court heard how Morgan turned up at Christopher Holly’s home early on a Sunday morning and swung a baseball bat at his face while on his doorstep. After striking Mr Holly to the ground with a second blow, Morgan called him a “rat” and shouted, “I know where you live” before walking away.

During the confrontation, the victim’s 70-year-old mother Edwina Holly bravely stepped between the men to protect her son. She later told police “she couldn’t believe what was happening in broad daylight.”

Prosecutor Nuhu Gobir told the court the attack was motivated by jealousy over Facebook messages exchanged between Mr Holly and Morgan’s partner.

Mr Holly was taken to Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil where he was treated for a fractured skull, blurred vision, concussion and tinnitus before being released three days later.

In a victim impact statement, Mr Holly confessed that he now feels “on edge” following the assault.

Defence barrister Nigel Fryer said Morgan wanted to apologise to Mr Holly and was “truly sorry,” adding: “The complainant had messaged his partner inviting her out for a drink and a date. He was pushed to the edge. This is an offence that can be described as being out of character.”

Mr Fryer described Morgan, a father, as “a pleasant and loving individual” and called the incident “deeply unpleasant and deeply unfortunate.”

However, Judge Carl Harrison was unmoved, telling Morgan: “There is no excuse for what you did that day. This offence was motivated by revenge.”

Morgan was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge following his release.