A 16-year-old schoolboy has been acquitted of attempted murder but found guilty of wounding with intent after stabbing a teacher in the head at a school in Pembrokeshire. The incident took place at Milford Haven Comprehensive School in February, when the boy, then 15, attacked teacher Vicki Williams with a kitchen knife.
Jury Verdict
On Monday, a jury at Swansea Crown Court found the defendant not guilty of attempted murder but guilty of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had pleaded guilty to possessing a kitchen knife on school grounds.
Details of the Attack
The court heard that on the afternoon of February 5, the pupil approached Mrs. Williams's desk to ask her to check his schoolwork. He then closed the classroom door, saying it was cold, which Mrs. Williams later said triggered "alarm bells." He pulled a large kitchen knife from his bag and struck her in the head. A violent struggle ensued as Mrs. Williams tried to take the knife from him, after which the boy fled the school.
Mrs. Williams was taken to hospital in Haverfordwest, where she was treated for a scalp wound, scratches on her back, and minor cuts to her hands.
Defendant's Account
Earlier in the trial, the boy told the court that Mrs. Williams had seen him with the knife and "tried to grab it" from him. He claimed he "accidentally assaulted her" during the struggle.
Sentencing
The boy will be sentenced on September 3 at Swansea Crown Court.
