DYFFRYN AMAN in Ammanford has appeared in court as her trial began today. The defendant, who cannot be named due to her age, has pleaded guilty to three charges of wounding with intent and possession of a knife on school premises but denies three counts of attempted murder.
The trial, held at Swansea Crown Court before Judge Paul Thomas KC, opened with Prosecutor William Hughes KC describing the incident on April 24 as a “serious episode of violence.” He detailed how the defendant approached teacher Fiona Elias in the school yard that morning, giving her what was described as a “sinister look” before producing a silver blade from the pocket of her cargo pants.
The court heard that during the morning break, the defendant attacked Mrs Elias with a multi-tool knife, reportedly shouting, “I am going to f kill you.” As Mrs Elias attempted to defend herself, fellow staff member Liz Hopkin intervened, grabbing the defendant from behind in an effort to restrain her. In the ensuing struggle, the defendant dropped the knife momentarily, but quickly retrieved it and continued the attack, stabbing Ms Hopkin multiple times.
After injuring the two teachers, the defendant moved towards a teenage student, calling out her name and shouting, “I am going to kill you.” The student was knocked to the ground and suffered stab wounds to her back and minor injuries to her legs. Other members of staff and students became aware of the commotion, and two male staff members – Darrell Campbell and Stephen Hagget – approached the defendant in an attempt to calm her. Witnesses described the defendant as having “a vacant look on her face” throughout the incident.
The prosecution outlined that the defendant had a history of bringing a knife to school. Earlier in the academic year, Mrs Elias had discovered a small kitchen knife in the defendant’s bag, which led to a school policy requiring the defendant to undergo daily bag checks. However, on the day of the attack, the defendant left home before her father could conduct the usual check, taking the fishing multi-tool without his knowledge.
Mrs Elias suffered stab wounds to her arms and thumb. Ms Hopkin sustained the most serious injuries, including wounds to her leg, the rear of her left chest, and a stab wound at the top of her neck into the trapezius muscle. The teenage victim received wounds to her back and legs. Emergency services arrived at the school shortly after the attack, and Mrs Elias and the student were taken to Morriston Hospital in Swansea. Ms Hopkin was airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. All three victims were discharged from hospital the following day.
Following the defendant’s arrest, police conducted a search of her home. Among the items found was a school planner with the phrase “death before dishonour” and other writings, including the phrase “cutting mouths and eyes to death.” Mr Hughes told the jury that these items suggested the defendant’s intention on the day of the attack.
During her arrest, the defendant made several comments, which the prosecution argues are significant in understanding her mindset. In the back of the police vehicle, she reportedly asked, “Are they dead?” and stated, “I am pretty sure this is going to be on the news… more eyes will be on me… that’s one way of being a celebrity.” She also queried how she would face her family after what had happened. However, when interviewed by the police in the presence of her father, she exercised her right to respond with “no comment” to all questions.
The jury was shown CCTV footage from the school depicting the attack, along with mobile phone footage shot by students and footage from police body-worn cameras. These videos provided the court with a detailed visual account of the incident. The judge instructed the jury that special screens would be installed to allow them to view the footage up close as part of the evidence.
Prosecution emphasises intent
Prosecutor Mr Hughes KC explained that while the defendant does not dispute stabbing the three victims or bringing the multi-tool to school, the issue the jury must consider is whether she had the intent to kill. The jury was informed they would need to evaluate each case individually to decide if the defendant intended to commit murder.
It was revealed in court that the defendant had previously been caught with a small kitchen knife at school, resulting in her parents agreeing to subject her to daily bag searches. On the day of the incident, she had left home early, avoiding these checks. The court also heard that the defendant had made concerning drawings and notes, including references to violence against others.
After the prosecution outlined the case, proceedings for the day concluded. The trial will not sit on Tuesday, with hearings scheduled to resume on Wednesday when the jury will hear further evidence.
The 14-year-old defendant was arrested at the scene following the attack. Emergency services quickly arrived at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, placing the school on lockdown. Both Mrs Elias and Ms Hopkin have since expressed gratitude for the support they received from the school community. The trial, expected to last two weeks, will continue to explore whether the defendant intended to kill her victims, as charged.
