A convicted killer who once took a man’s life has now been jailed again after threatening a guest with a knife in a violent robbery inside his own flat

A man once convicted of manslaughter has erupted back into public fear after holding a blade to a terrified visitor’s throat during a robbery in his home. Brynley Stephens, whose name already casts a long shadow in Wales due to his violent past, has now returned to prison following the disturbing incident.

The horror unfolded inside Stephens’ flat in Swansea, where his unsuspecting victim had arrived under the illusion of a friendly visit. What followed, however, was a nightmarish betrayal. Stephens, now 36, demanded money while brandishing a knife—forcing his trembling guest into submission during the chilling ordeal.

This is not Stephens’ first descent into violence. In 2006, he was jailed for the manslaughter of Stuart Walters after a confrontation at a party turned fatal. He struck Walters with a pole, causing injuries that proved deadly. That act earned him a 10-year prison sentence. Many believed he’d moved on—but now, his demons have come roaring back.

During the robbery, Stephens reportedly flew into a rage after accusing the man of owing him money. With his previous crime still haunting the community, the resurgence of violence struck a particularly raw nerve.

“Stephens’ actions left the victim frozen with fear,” prosecutors told the court. “He believed he was about to die.” The court heard that the victim was held against his will and forced to hand over money and belongings, all under the glint of a knife wielded by a man known for deadly violence.

This case lays bare the dangers posed by violent offenders re-entering society without sufficient monitoring. Stephens was on licence at the time, supposedly under supervision after his release for manslaughter. Now, questions are swirling: how was someone with such a history allowed to bring another person to the brink of death once again?

The court found him guilty of robbery and possessing a bladed weapon with intent. His defence tried to downplay the incident as a heated exchange gone too far, but the judge wasn’t having it.

“This was a calculated act of intimidation and violence,” the judge said. “You used your home as the setting for a trap.” Stephens has now been sentenced to an additional five years behind bars.

Community leaders are outraged. “How many chances do dangerous people get before innocent lives are put at risk again?” asked one resident. “We were told he’d been rehabilitated. This proves otherwise.”

The fear is real. Locals in Swansea, already rattled by Stephens’ past, are now left wondering how many more violent offenders might be hiding in plain sight. The case has reignited calls for tighter controls, longer licence supervision, and more robust re-entry checks for those convicted of serious crimes.

While Stephens is now behind bars once more, the scars left by his crimes—both past and present—will linger in the minds of a community desperate for answers and safety.