Joseph Cullen, 26, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court after admitting unlawful wounding and possession of a knife. His co‑defendant Rebecca Stubbs, 28, of Edward Street, Carlisle — also known as Rebecca Nicholson — received a 12‑month community order after pleading guilty to assault by beating.
The attack outside St Joseph’s
The court heard that Cullen stabbed Jonathan Yeandle twice in the back with a large knife outside St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in the Brynmelyn area of Swansea on 6 December last year.
Mr Yeandle ran along Llangyfelach Street towards Dyfatty lights as Cullen chased him. Both Cullen and Stubbs were later arrested. Stubbs made serious allegations against the victim following her arrest.
Argument escalated into violence
Prosecutor Ieuan Rees said the incident began with a street argument between Stubbs and Mr Yeandle outside the school. The dispute reportedly centred on Mr Yeandle failing to retrieve stolen belongings for Stubbs.
As the victim attempted to walk away, Cullen appeared and launched the stabbing attack.
Case weakened when victim refused to give evidence
Both defendants were originally charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent — charges they denied. However, the prosecution case was significantly weakened when Mr Yeandle declined to give evidence at trial.
As a result, Cullen and Stubbs entered guilty pleas to lesser offences, which were accepted by the Crown.
Extensive criminal histories
Cullen has eight previous convictions for 66 offences, including assaults, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a bladed article.
Stubbs has 14 previous convictions for 28 offences, including 13 assaults — most of them against emergency workers.
Mitigation: ‘Appalling childhood experiences’
Andrew Evans, defending Cullen, said his client had endured “appalling childhood experiences” that led to drug misuse and offending. He said Cullen believed Mr Yeandle had “significantly wronged” Stubbs, someone he cared about, and reacted in a “wholly inappropriate” way.
Ryan Bowen, representing Stubbs, said her background was “difficult to imagine”, with illicit drug use beginning at the age of nine. He said she had been surrounded by a “negative peer group” during her time in Swansea but now had access to a stable home environment.
Judge: ‘Pure luck’ prevented murder
Sentencing Cullen, Judge Geraint Walters said the only thing separating him from a life sentence for murder was “pure luck”.
Cullen was jailed for 30 months for the crime, reduced by 10% for his guilty pleas. He will serve half in custody before being released on licence.
Stubbs, who had already spent seven months on remand, received a 12‑month community order with a rehabilitation requirement.
[Lead image: South Wales Police]
