A teenager has gone on trial accused of attempting to murder two teachers and a pupil at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Ammanford. The 14-year-old allegedly shouted, “I am going to kill you,” as she stabbed a staff member and the pupil. The defendant, whose identity is protected due to her age, admits to stabbing her victims with a fishing multi-tool but denies intending to kill them. She is facing trial at Swansea Crown Court, where jurors were informed that the central issue to consider is the defendant’s intent.
The prosecution outlined that the attacks occurred during the morning break on April 24 at the school. The primary target was Fiona Elias, a member of staff, who was conversing with her colleague Liz Hopkin in the school yard. The defendant reportedly approached Mrs. Elias with a “sinister look,” brandishing a fishing multi-tool and repeatedly stabbing her while threatening to kill her. Miss Hopkin intervened, and both staff members grappled as the defendant continued to inflict injuries. Subsequently, the defendant moved to another area of the school and attacked a pupil, proclaiming her intention to kill while stabbing the girl in the back.
Emergency services rushed Fiona Elias and the injured pupil to Morriston Hospital for treatment. Mrs. Elias sustained stab and puncture wounds to her arms and thumb, while the pupil had back wounds and minor leg injuries. Liz Hopkin, the most severely injured victim, was airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales with wounds to her leg, chest, and neck. Following her arrest at the school, the defendant made remarks in the police vehicle that the prosecution considers significant, including expressing concerns about facing her family after the incident.
The court heard that the defendant had a past incident involving a small knife in her possession at school, leading to conditions for her to undergo daily bag searches. However, on the day of the attacks, she bypassed these checks and brought the fishing multi-tool to the school. While admitting to causing the injuries, the defendant denies three counts of attempted murder, with the prosecution emphasizing the jury’s role in determining her intent during the attacks. The trial is set to resume with the presentation of evidence, addressing the circumstances and consequences of the alleged attempted murders.