The trial of a girl accused of attempting to murder two teachers and a pupil at a Welsh school came to an unexpected halt as the jury deliberated over its verdict. The jurors have been discharged, and a retrial is on the horizon for the teenage defendant, whose identity remains protected due to her age. The incident took place at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Ammanford back in April, where the girl faced charges of attempted murder towards teachers Fiona Elias and Liz Hopkin, as well as a fellow schoolgirl.
During the trial at Swansea Crown Court, the accused teenager denied the charges of attempted murder but accepted responsibility for three counts of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing a knife on school premises. However, before the jury could reach a decision, a significant irregularity arose within the jury, leading Judge Paul Thomas KC to reluctantly disband them. He expressed regret over the necessity of this action, acknowledging the impact on the defendant, who will have to go through another trial.
All evidence in the case had been presented before the court, but due to the unforeseen circumstances, a retrial is now scheduled for January 27 next year. The judge described the situation as “very unsatisfactory,” highlighting the compromised ability to consider the matter adequately. Despite this setback, proceedings are set to continue in the pursuit of justice for the individuals involved in the alarming incident at the Welsh school earlier this year.