A teenage boy accused of attempting to murder a history teacher at a school in Pembrokeshire has denied the charge, as his trial continues at Swansea Crown Court.
Incident at Milford Haven School
The defendant, now 16 but 15 at the time of the incident, allegedly stabbed Vicki Williams with a knife at Milford Haven School on February 5 this year. He faces charges of attempted murder, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and unlawful wounding. He denies all charges but admits possessing a knife on school premises.
Mrs Williams suffered injuries to her head, hands, and back. The prosecution alleges the pupil carried out a planned “murderous attack” with a knife he brought to school that day. The defence argues the injuries were accidental, occurring when the pupil refused to hand over the knife.
Witness Testimonies
On day three of the trial, the court heard from Caroline Zooglah, director of humanities at the school. She said she heard a “gut-wrenching scream” from the adjacent classroom and found her colleague holding a “big, massive” knife, which she had taken from the defendant. The boy had fled the school and was later found at a relative’s house.
School first aider Laura Jones described Mrs Williams as “obviously distressed, traumatised, upset, crying.” She noted the knife was “unusually large for a knife at home… like a restaurant knife.” Mrs Jones found a wound to Mrs Williams’ head and blood in her hair; the teacher was so upset she could not speak to the 999 call handler and had to pass the phone.
Acting deputy headteacher Sean Thomas said Mrs Williams told him the defendant entered her classroom, closed the door, rummaged in his bag, and then pulled out a knife, attempting to stab her “in a downwards stabbing motion.” Mr Thomas immediately placed the school into lockdown.
Learning support assistant Gavin Charlesworth, who rushed to help, said Mrs Williams kept repeating: “I’ve been stabbed. I’ve been stabbed.”
Defendant’s Character
Mr Thomas described the defendant as usually “polite and respectful” and someone who “flew under the radar,” though his peer group were “not model pupils.” The court heard that the group had previously blocked stairwells, thrown food, and sworn at other students.
Two days before the stabbing, someone associated with the defendant was seen “donkey kicking” the door of Mrs Williams’ classroom, shattering the glass. CCTV showed the defendant running from the scene with a friend.
The jury has already heard Mrs Williams testify that her alleged attacker had a look of “pure hatred” in his eyes and that she thought she would die. The trial continues on Thursday.
