A 16-year-old boy has denied attempting to murder history teacher Vicki Williams during a dramatic exchange at Swansea Crown Court, where he repeatedly refuted claims that he intended to kill her with a kitchen knife.
Incident at Milford Haven School
The attack occurred at Milford Haven School in Pembrokeshire in February, leaving Mrs Williams with injuries to her head, hands, and back. The boy, who was 15 at the time, is charged with attempted murder, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and unlawful wounding.
During cross-examination, prosecutor Christopher Rees KC accused the defendant of lying to save himself. "You intended to kill her, didn't you?" Rees asked. "It's because she fought back that she is here today." The boy answered "No" each time.
Defendant's Account
Giving evidence, the defendant said Mrs Williams "tried to grab the knife" and they "struggled" before she screamed, prompting him to drop the weapon and his rucksack and flee. He claimed he brought the knife to school to "show off" to friends, not to attack the teacher.
The prosecution argues it was a planned "murderous attack," while the defence maintains the injuries were accidental when the teacher tried to confiscate the knife. The defendant told the court he didn't hand over the weapon because he "didn't want to get into trouble."
Prosecution Allegations
Rees put it to the defendant that he had seen Mrs Williams at a classroom doorway earlier and circled back to launch the attack. The defendant denied this, calling the teacher a liar. "Is Mrs Williams lying or telling the truth when she says she was standing at the doorway?" Rees asked. "Lying," the defendant replied.
The prosecutor also challenged the defendant's claim of memory loss. The defendant said he answered "no comment" in police interviews because he was in shock and only remembered details weeks later in a secure unit. Rees suggested he was lying because he "had not made up [his] story."
Forensic Evidence
Earlier, forensic pathologist Dr David Rouse testified that Mrs Williams suffered a "stabbing" wound to the top of her head and "defensive wounds" to her hands. He said the wounds were consistent with her account but could not rule out a "scuffle." Mrs Williams previously described a look of "hatred" in the defendant's eyes and said she thought she would die.
Trial Continues
The trial, presided over by Judge Paul Thomas KC, will resume on Friday for legal directions, closing speeches, and the judge's summing up. The defendant denies all charges.
