Girl denies tried homicide as she seems in courtroom
A schoolgirl has denied attempting to murder two teachers and a classmate after they were stabbed in a school playground.
The 14-year-old appeared in court today accused of knifing deputy head teacher Fiona Elias, special needs teacher Liz Hopkins and a classmate – who can’t be named for legal reasons – at Ysgol Duffryn Aman in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire.
The teenager was arrested after the three people were stabbed in the playground during the morning break at the comprehensive school on April 24.
The girl, who can’t be named because of her age, has admitted two charges of wounding with intent, one of grievous bodily harm with intent and one of possessing a bladed article.
She spoke only to confirm her name and address during an 11-minute hearing at Swansea Crown Court where she will return to stand trial on September 30.
The teenager was arrested after the three people were stabbed in the playground during the morning break at the comprehensive school on April 24 (Pictured: Emergency services outside the school where the attack occurred at the comprehensive school)
The 14-year-old appeared in court today accused of knifing deputy head teacher Fiona Elias (left), special needs teacher Liz Hopkins (right) and a classmate – who can’t be named for legal reasons
Police and worried parents waiting at the school gates of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, also known as Amman Valley School after the stabbings
An aerial view of the scene following the Ysgol Dyffryn Aman (Aman valley School) stabbing
The 1,500 pupil school was put into lockdown for four hours following the alleged attacks
Prosecutor Helen Randall said the pleas of not guilty to attempted murder were not accepted by the prosecution.
The 1,500 pupil school was put into lockdown for four hours following the alleged attacks.
Pupils hid in toilets and cupboards as ‘Code Red’ was called over the school’s speaker system.
Headteacher James Durbridge later praised staff and pupils for their ‘calm and mature’ response to the horrific events.
The girl pupil had her blonde hair in a bun and was dressed in a black waistcoat, white blouse and a black tie for the brief hearing in front of Judge Paul Thomas.
She was remanded to a secure youth detention centre when she appeared before Llanelli magistrates in April.
The trial is expected to last two weeks.
