**Neighbour’s Desperate Attempt to Save Stabbed Man’s Life, Cardiff Court Told**
A Cardiff woman has recounted her valiant efforts to save her neighbour after witnessing a brutal stabbing in a local park, a court heard this week. The tragic incident, which took place in St Mellons last November, left 43-year-old James Brogan fatally injured, despite a bystander’s determined attempt to stem the bleeding before emergency services arrived.
The case, currently underway at Newport Crown Court, centres on Georgie Tannetta, 20, of Rhodfa Crughywel, Trowbridge. Tannetta is accused of stabbing Mr Brogan in the arm during an altercation, causing severe blood loss. Tannetta has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, manslaughter, and possession of a bladed article.
Margaret Jones, whose garden backs onto Mr Brogan’s property, described the harrowing scene that unfolded on 12th November 2024. Giving evidence via a taped police interview, Ms Jones revealed she was out walking her dogs in the area locals call ‘Train Park’ when she became aware of shouting nearby—a not uncommon occurrence in that part of St Mellons, she noted.
According to her account, Ms Jones saw two men arguing, their arms flailing. She described a moment where, after the commotion seemed to settle, one man staggered away while the other cried out, “You stabbed me.” Only then did she realise the wounded party was her own neighbour.
Ms Jones recounted the shock of approaching Mr Brogan as blood poured from his jacket. “I said: ‘James, what the hell, you have been stabbed, what happened, where have you been stabbed?’” she told the court. Acting quickly—and with little support from bystanders who only watched—she wrapped her own coat around his arm in a desperate bid to staunch the bleeding.
Despite her audible pleas for assistance, Ms Jones claimed that others in the park, including a group of youths and an adult couple, failed to offer any help. “They just bloody watched me,” she stated, expressing her frustration and sorrow to the jury. Realising the severity of her neighbour’s injuries, she ran home to grab towels and an exercise band to use as improvised bandages, while simultaneously dialling 999 for guidance.
Ms Jones’ distress was clear during her police interview. She explained that Mr Brogan kept begging, “Marg, I need an ambulance,” as she did her utmost to keep him conscious and comfortable until paramedics arrived. “It was terrible,” she reflected. “I tried my bloody best to save that man’s life and no-one helped me.”
During her testimony, Ms Jones described the alleged attacker as being dressed in black from head to toe, standing between 5ft8 and 5ft10 in height, but was uncertain about other details. She suggested the assailant may have been one of a group of youths frequently seen behaving disruptively in the area.
Emergency services were soon on the scene, and Mr Brogan received urgent care both at the park and en route to the University Hospital of Wales. He was admitted to the intensive care unit, but tragically, he passed away the following morning due to complications from cardiac arrest brought on by multiple organ failure.
The court also heard that Tannetta was apprehended later that day, discovered hiding in the attic of his aunt’s Cardiff home by police officers. His arrest came on suspicion of murder as the investigation unfolded.
This high-profile trial is expected to continue for up to two weeks as the jury hears evidence from additional witnesses and forensic experts. The case has prompted renewed conversations about bystander intervention, safety in public spaces, and community responses to violence.
Court proceedings remain ongoing, with further updates anticipated as the trial progresses.