Doctor dies 16 days af ter brutal attack in park
A DEDICATED psychiatrist injured in a savage attack has died after more than a fortnight in hospital.
Three people – including a 16year-old girl – have already been charged with attempted murder after Dr Gary Jenkins, 54, was set upon in a historic park last month.
The charges are now being reviewed, with police saying the father-of-two’s death is now at the centre of a murder investigation.
Dr Jenkins, an NHS consultant psychiatrist was attacked in Bute Park in the grounds of Cardiff Castle in the early hours of July 20.
Yesterday, South Wales Police revealed he died at University Hospital of Wales last Thursday.
In a statement, his family said he was ‘a loving father of two wonderful daughters’.
They added: ‘He lived his life happily with love, music, creativity and dedication to his profession.’ Dr Jenkins worked at Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust and last night patients, friends and colleagues also paid tribute. One co-worker described him as ‘a well-loved and much respected colleague who was great fun to work with’.
‘He was a wonderful, kind and hard-working psychiatrist who will be greatly missed in Cardiff and Vale,’ he added.
Another said: ‘So sad for all his family and friends. Will miss our chats on the ward. A kind, caring man who patients liked so very much.’
One man wrote that Dr Jenkins had done more for his stepfather in six months than any doctor had done in five years. ‘What a gentlemen he was, [he] always wanted what was best for his patients and wouldn’t give up at the first hurdle,’ he added. ‘Such a sad loss. Thoughts are with [his] family.’
Jason Edwards, 25, and Lee William Strickland, 36, both of Cardiff, and a 16-year-old girl have already appeared before magistrates charged with the attempted murder of Dr Jenkins.
They are due to appear at Cardiff Crown Court on August 23. Police say they are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the attack.
Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Wales said: ‘We are liaising with both the Crown Prosecution Service and HM Coroner in respect of his death, and this matter will now be progressed as a murder investigation.
‘While the three people have been charged, we are still appealing for information. No matter how minor the information might seem, it could be crucial to our investigation.’
He said detectives were particularly keen to hear from anyone who was near the Millennium footbridge which links Bute Park to Sophia Gardens between midnight and 1.20am on July 20.
Following the attack and an alleged sexual assault in the same location the previous week, the park has been closed during the night by the council.