Trial of student for attempted murder of teachers and commitment of students | United Kingdom

A juror “irretrievably compromised” the trial of a student accused of attempted murder of two teachers and a colleague, causing the case to be abandoned yesterday by an angry judge.

The jury was told they were being dismissed due to “irregularities” before being dismissed and one juror was ordered to stay behind to face the judge’s wrath.

A 14-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admits intentional wounding but denies attempted murder after stabbing three people at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman – also known as Amman Valley School – in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, on 24 April.

The jury at Swansea Crown Court retired to consider their verdict on Tuesday afternoon, but when they reconvened yesterday (Wed) morning, Judge Paul Thomas KC told them they were being discharged.

He said: “There was a major irregularity in the jury which we all agree has irreparably compromised our ability to consider this matter.

“With the greatest possible reluctance, I will have to dismiss this jury.”

The judge said the change was undesirable and that the girl will have to be tried again next year, with a start date set for January 27.

The teenager, who was 13 at the time of the incident, attacked teachers Fiona Elias and Liz Hopkin during the school’s morning break.

She then stabbed another girl before being restrained by staff. She told the court she regularly carried a knife to school and felt “guilty” about the attack, in which she was allegedly heard shouting “I’m going to f***ing kill you” to her assistant principal, Ms Elias, and her classmate. .

All three victims survived the attack but Mrs Hopkins, who was stabbed in the neck, had to be taken by air ambulance to hospital in Cardiff.

The girl later told police: “That’s one way to be a celebrity.”

Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Legal proceedings surrounding the incident at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman on Wednesday 24 April are still active and it would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this time.

“A new trial is scheduled to begin on January 27, 2025.

“We would like to remind you that the teenager charged with three counts of attempted murder cannot be identified for legal reasons.

“We ask that people do not speculate about the details of the case, nor share images or materials that could undermine the case or cause further suffering to those involved.”