A 14-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared via videolink at Westminster Magistrates’ Court charged with three counts of attempted murder
A teenage girl has been brought before the court accused of attempting to murder two students and a teacher in a knife attack during a form class at a Manchester school.
The 14-year-old, who cannot be identified due to legal reasons, made her appearance via videolink at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday. She faces three charges of attempted murder and two counts of possessing a bladed article on school premises.
She only spoke to confirm her name, date of birth and address. The alleged assault is currently under investigation by the Counter Terrorism Police, but it has not yet been declared a terrorist incident.
District Judge Briony Clarke informed the defendant: “Because of the seriousness of the charges that you face, I have to send this matter to the crown court.”
The teenager is set to make her next appearance at the Old Bailey on June 19 and has been remanded to youth detention accommodation until then.
Two pupils, both aged 14, and a male staff member, 27, were injured in the incident at a north Manchester school on Tuesday morning, as previously reported by Greater Manchester Police (GMP). The teacher was reportedly stabbed in the neck trying to protect students in the attack.
All three have since been discharged from hospital and did not suffer any serious injuries, according to GMP.
Meanwhile, a pastor could be facing a trial next year accused of gross negligence manslaughter following the tragic drowning of a man during a baptism ceremony in Birmingham.
Cheryl Bartley, 48, has been charged in relation to the death of 61-year-old Robert Smith, from Brixton, south London, who tragically drowned at a property on Slade Road, Erdington, on October 8, 2023.
Dressed in a light brown trouser suit, Bartley stood in the dock at Birmingham Crown Court but was not asked to enter a plea to the charge in front of a full public gallery on Friday. A group of Bartley’s supporters displayed a banner outside the court prior to the hearing.
Judge Andrew Smith KC scheduled a date for the trial, which is anticipated to last four to five weeks before a High Court judge if it proceeds, as June 14 next year.
Bartley, currently on bail and residing in Erdington, is required to live and sleep at an address in Summer Lane in Birmingham until her next court appearance.
The defendant confirmed that she understood the conditions and expressed her gratitude to the judge before exiting the dock.
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