Father dies after attack in Cardiff Castle grounds

AN NHS psychiatrist has died 16 days after he was attacked in a park, with a 16-year-old girl among three people charged in connection with his death.

Dr Gary Jenkins, 54, was attacked on July 20 in Bute Park in the grounds of Cardiff Castle.

Police yesterday confirmed that the father of two died at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, 16 days later.

Three people have been charged with attempted murder but the charges are expected to be reviewed after the death of the consultant psychiatrist. Dr Jenkins’s family released a statement after his death saying: “We are distraught to announce the untimely death of Dr Gary Jenkins, who was a loving father of two wonderful daughters.

“He lived his life happily with love, music, creativity and dedication to his profession.”

South Wales Police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the assault.

Det Ch Insp Stuart Wales said the force’s thoughts were with Dr Jenkins’s family and friends, adding: “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. We’d like to hear from anyone who was in Bute Park during the very early hours of Tuesday, 20 July. Specifically, we want to speak to anyone who was near the Millennium footbridge, which links Bute Park to Sophia Gardens, between midnight and 1.20am.”

Jason Edwards, 25, Lee William Strickland, 36, both of Cardiff, and the 16-year-old girl are due to appear at Cardiff Crown Court on Aug 23.