Fifteen-year-old charged with Section 18 grievous bodily harm and possession of a bladed article appears before Swansea magistrates

A FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD boy has been remanded into custody after appearing in court charged with causing serious injuries to a teacher during a knife incident at Milford Haven Comprehensive School.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Saturday following his arrest on Thursday afternoon.

Magistrates heard the alleged attack took place shortly after 3:00pm inside a classroom at the school.

Classroom incident

Prosecutors said the boy is accused of producing a kitchen knife while speaking with a female teacher who was helping him with his work.

The court heard the teacher suffered injuries to her head, back and finger and later received hospital treatment. Her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Emergency services were called to the scene and officers attended the school as a precaution while the situation was brought under control.

Charges outlined

The teenager is charged with Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article on education premises, offences under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.

Section 18 relates to intentionally causing really serious harm and is one of the most serious assault offences in law.

During the brief hearing, the defendant spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth. No pleas were entered.

Family members watched proceedings from the public gallery.

Case moves to Crown Court

Magistrates declined bail and remanded the boy into youth detention accommodation.

He is due to appear next at Swansea Crown Court on February 9.

The Herald understands that safeguarding procedures were put in place at the school following the incident, with pupils kept safe while officers dealt with enquiries.

Police investigations remain ongoing.

PUPILS at St Oswald’s VA Primary School welcomed a visit from local Senedd member Samuel Kurtz on Monday (Feb 2), as children put questions to him about how Wales is governed.

Years five and six pupils took part in an interactive session where the Senedd Cymru member explained the role of the Welsh Parliament, how laws are made, and how elected representatives support local residents.

He outlined what a Member of the Senedd does day-to-day, how decisions affecting communities are taken, and why taking part in democracy is important.

The pupils were then given the chance to quiz him directly, raising questions about politics, local issues and how young people can make their voices heard. Staff said the children showed strong interest and came well prepared.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Kurtz said: “It was a real pleasure to visit St Oswald’s and see such enthusiasm and curiosity from the pupils.

“Understanding how democracy works and how decisions are made is important, and it is encouraging to see young people taking an interest in how their community and country are run.

“I was particularly impressed by the quality of the questions, which showed they had clearly done their research.”

Teachers described the visit as a valuable opportunity to bring lessons about citizenship and Welsh democracy to life.

The school visit forms part of Mr Kurtz’s ongoing programme of meeting with schools, community groups and residents across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire.

15-year-old charged with Section 18 GBH with intent and possession of a bladed article on education premises

POLICE have confirmed that the teacher injured during Thursday’s lockdown at Milford Haven Comprehensive School suffered stab wounds, as a 15-year-old boy appears in court today (Saturday, Feb 7).

Dyfed-Powys Police said the teenager has been charged with Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article on education premises. He has been remanded in custody and is due before Swansea Magistrates’ Court this morning.

Emergency services were called to the school at around 3:20pm on Thursday (Feb 5) following reports that a member of staff had been assaulted by a pupil. The school was placed into immediate lockdown and police said all learners later returned home unharmed.

The injured teacher has since been discharged from hospital and is recovering with support.

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Briggs said: “We are continuing to support the victim whilst they recover from this traumatic event. Following detailed enquiries by specialist officers, injuries initially assessed and described as non-stab injuries have now been confirmed as stab wounds.

“A statement at an early stage of the investigation was based on preliminary information available at the time.

“There will continue to be a higher than usual police presence in the area over the coming days to provide further reassurance. Officers will be working closely with local secondary schools to offer support over the coming week.”

In a joint update issued by the local authority and the school, deputy headteacher Daryl John thanked staff and the small number of pupils who remained on site, saying they acted “with professionalism” and were “calm throughout”. He added that the school community was grateful for the “rapid and effective response” of the emergency services and sent best wishes to the injured colleague for a “full and speedy recovery”.

Pembrokeshire County Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey confirmed the school will reopen on Monday, with additional support available for pupils and staff affected by the incident. He said lockdown procedures are routinely rehearsed so that, in rare cases where they are needed, everyone knows what to do.

The school was closed to pupils on Friday, with the town noticeably quieter than usual as children stayed home.

Police enquiries are continuing and further updates are expected following the court hearing.