The jury in the trial of a pupil accused of attempting to murder a teacher with a kitchen knife has retired to begin its deliberations at Swansea Crown Court. The defendant, who was 15 at the time of the incident and cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with attempting to murder Milford Haven School history teacher Vicki Williams. He allegedly stabbed her in the head with a knife after approaching her in a classroom at the end of the school day on February 5 this year.
Prosecution Case: Planned and Deliberate Attack
The prosecution argues that the teenager carried out a planned and deliberate 'murderous attack' on his victim, having taken the weapon into school for that purpose. The court heard that the defendant had previously admitted possessing a knife on school premises.
Defence Argument: Accidental Injury
In contrast, the defence contends that the defendant took the knife into school to 'show off' to his friends, and that the teacher was injured accidentally when she tried to take the weapon from him. The teenager denies attempted murder, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and unlawful wounding.
Key Testimony and Evidence
The jury heard evidence from Mrs Williams, who described how her alleged assailant had a look of 'hatred' in his eyes as he wielded the knife, and she thought she was going to die. The defendant testified that he had no intention of harming the teacher and that her injuries occurred when she grabbed the knife to take it off him. Forensic pathologist Dr David Rouse gave expert evidence on the nature of the wounds, including a 'stabbing' wound to the top of her head and 'defensive wounds' to her hands. He stated the wounds were consistent with Mrs Williams' account but could not rule out that they were caused during a 'scuffle'.
Judge's Instructions to Jury
Judge Paul Thomas KC sent jurors out to begin their deliberations on Monday morning, instructing them to work towards unanimous verdicts without time pressure, stating: 'It will take as long as it takes.'
