A teacher allegedly stabbed by a pupil told attending paramedics she felt as though she was "in a nightmare" and would "wake up in a minute". The incident occurred at Milford Haven School in Pembrokeshire on February 5 this year, where history teacher Vicki Williams suffered injuries to her head, hands, and back after a 16-year-old pupil took a knife into her classroom.
Teenager on trial for attempted murder
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is on trial at Swansea Crown Court accused of attempting to murder Mrs Williams. He denies the charge of attempted murder, as well as inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and unlawful wounding, but admits being in possession of a knife on school premises.
On Friday, the jury was shown the kitchen knife at the centre of the incident, along with a knife block seized from the defendant's home with one knife missing. Judge Paul Thomas KC asked if the knife in question was the largest in the set and was told it was.
Paramedic and police statements
The court heard statements from paramedics who treated Mrs Williams at the school. In a statement, paramedic Gary Woodcock said Mrs Williams told him: "I feel like I'm in a nightmare... I will wake up in a minute." Police officer Dyfed-Powys Police PC Dan Evans also provided a statement, in which Mrs Williams described the look on the defendant's face as "hatred" and said she gets "goosebumps" when she talks about it.
The defendant answered "no comment" to all questions during his three police interviews and has no previous convictions, warnings, or reprimands. Nothing was found on his phone to suggest he researched an attack or discussed plans with others.
Pathologist testimony on injuries
The court previously heard from pathologist Dr David Rouse, who said cuts on Mrs Williams' hands were typical "defensive wounds" seen when someone tries to take hold of a knife. A "linear incised wound" to the top of her head was "in keeping with a stabbing action going into the head," not a blunt force injury. However, under cross-examination from the defence barrister, Dr Rouse agreed he could not rule out that the injuries were caused during a "scuffle."
The prosecution argues that the pupil, aged 15 at the time, carried out a planned "murderous attack" with a large kitchen knife he took to school that day. The defence claims the injuries were accidental and occurred when the pupil refused to hand over the knife to the teacher. The trial continues.
