## Swansea Uncle and Nephew Jailed Over Fatal Street Attack
The faces of two relatives convicted for their roles in the violent death of 27-year-old Joshua Norman have been unveiled for the first time, following their sentencing at Swansea Crown Court. Paul Rosser, aged 50, and his nephew Joshua Cullen, were both imprisoned for an attack in which Mr Norman, a young local father, lost his life after being stabbed with a broken cider bottle in a city street.
The harrowing incident unfolded in broad daylight on Upper Strand, Swansea, last September. During the assault, Rosser, in possession of a glass cider bottle, smashed it to create a makeshift weapon and fatally thrust it into Mr Norman’s neck. Cullen stood by during the attack, offering encouragement and support to his uncle. Despite the quick response of passers-by, as well as emergency services who rushed to the scene, Mr Norman could not be saved and was pronounced dead soon after, suffering from significant blood loss.
The court heard that the three men had spent the night before the attack at Norman’s flat, using drugs and alcohol. The following morning, they visited several locations around Swansea, eventually withdrawing cash to purchase more narcotics. Tensions reportedly escalated during a car journey, resulting in an altercation with the driver. Shortly afterwards, the trio was ejected from the vehicle on New Cut Road and made their way towards Upper Strand on foot.
It was in a tunnel connecting Upper Strand and Cwm Road that the fatal confrontation occurred. During an argument that turned into violence, Rosser used the improvised glass weapon to stab Mr Norman, while Cullen, though not inflicting the injury himself, assisted through his presence and encouragement. The attack left Mr Norman collapsed and bleeding as Rosser and Cullen fled the scene, returning to Cullen’s nearby flat.
During sentencing, Judge Geraint Walters spoke of Mr Norman’s life struggles with alcohol and drug dependency, but also described him as a “pleasant and polite” individual. The judge concluded that Rosser had targeted Norman, viewing him as a vulnerable source for money to fuel his own drug habit. He remarked that the evidence suggested the attack was not premeditated, but rather stemmed from a sudden loss of temper during a disagreement.
Defending barristers highlighted the difficult backgrounds of both men. Rosser, whose criminal record stretches to 45 convictions for over 200 offences, including violent crimes and burglary, was described as having a very low IQ and longstanding substance misuse issues. Cullen, similarly troubled, had grown up without a father and in a household rife with neglect, alcohol, and drug misuse. Lawyers for both defendants stressed that neither had planned to take Mr Norman’s life, but accepted the gravity of their actions.
Rosser was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 18 years before he is eligible for parole. Cullen, cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter, was given an eight-year sentence. Time already spent in custody—298 days for Rosser and 200 days for Cullen—will count toward their sentences.
Reacting to the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Lianne Rees of South Wales Police paid tribute to Mr Norman’s family, lauding their resilience and dignity throughout the distressing investigation and trial. She remarked on the tragedy of a young life lost and expressed hope that the outcome would bring a measure of solace to those grieving.
DCI Rees also praised members of the public and the emergency responders who came to Mr Norman’s aid, as well as the police investigation team and prosecutors whose work led to the convictions. The case stands as another stark reminder of the devastating impact of substance abuse and violent crime on communities and families alike.
As the city reflects on the events and the lives impacted by this tragedy, authorities continue to urge anyone struggling with substance misuse or vulnerability to seek help. The sentencing brings a degree of closure, but the loss of Joshua Norman resonates deeply among those who knew and loved him.