A 14-year-old girl has been found guilty of attempted murder following a shocking incident at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Carmarthenshire. The brutal attack took place last year, leaving two teachers and a pupil injured. The Swansea Crown Court jury reached its verdict after a week of evidence, including distressing CCTV footage of the attack.
On that fateful day, the girl used a multi-tool knife to stab her teacher, Fiona Elias, and another teacher, Liz Hopkin. She had brought the weapon to school daily, but it was on this particular day that she acted on her threats. Witnesses recalled her ominous statement about stabbing Ms. Elias and "doing something stupid" to get expelled. During the attack, she shouted, "I'm going to kill you," as she stabbed both Ms. Elias and a pupil.
The court heard that Ms. Elias previously found a knife in the girl's bag in September 2023, leading to the girl's suspension. Despite acknowledging her "rude and irresponsible" behavior towards Ms. Elias, she claimed in court that she never intended to kill anyone or use the knife before that day.
Det Ch Supt Ross Evans of Dyfed Powys Police emphasized the importance of safety in schools.
"School should be a safe place, a sanctuary for the pupils that attend it, and weapons have no place within their grounds." – Det Ch Supt Ross Evans
The incident has sparked widespread concern about violence in schools. Carmarthenshire council leader Darren Price condemned the act.
"Violence, in any form, has unequivocally no place within our schools or any aspect of society." – Darren Price
During the trial, the jury watched harrowing footage of the assault. After attacking Ms. Elias, the girl turned her attention to Ms. Hopkin, whom she did not know. The attack left both teachers and a pupil hospitalized.
Fiona Elias expressed her gratitude towards her colleague Liz Hopkin for her intervention during the attack.
"Liz, the word thank you doesn't seem enough," – Fiona Elias
She also emphasized the need for safety within educational institutions.
"No member of school staff should ever feel fearful for their own safety, merely for carrying out their own duties." – Fiona Elias
Additionally, Ms. Elias called for action to prevent similar incidents.
"Verbal and physical violence towards staff members is totally unacceptable, and we must ensure there is no repeat of this incident elsewhere." – Fiona Elias
The verdict serves as a critical reminder of the need for stringent measures to protect educators and students alike.
"This verdict should be seen as a clear message for pupils across the country. I would not want any individual to go through the nightmare I have endured during the last nine months," – Fiona Elias
The National Education Union's Wales secretary, Nicola Fitzpatrick, highlighted the broader implications.
"No place for violence in schools, and that there needs to be a wider public health approach to tackling youth violence." – Nicola Fitzpatrick
The girl is now awaiting sentencing on 28 April. The case has prompted discussions on how authorities can better address youth violence in educational settings.
