Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Defendant carried a knife daily but had no intent to kill, says defence

Published

on

A TEENAGE girl, who can not be named for legal reasons, is standing trial for the attempted murder of two teachers and a fellow pupil at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman on Wednesday (Apr 24, 2024). The incident, which sent shockwaves through the local community, resulted in emergency services rushing to the school following reports of a violent attack.

The defendant, now 14, denies three charges of attempted murder but has admitted to three counts of wounding with intent. The prosecution argues that her actions were premeditated, while the defence contends that she was a deeply troubled child who acted out of emotional turmoil rather than homicidal intent.

Defence argues lack of intent to kill

In her closing speech, defence barrister Ms Caroline Rees KC acknowledged that her client had already accepted responsibility for “very serious offences” but maintained that there was no evidence of a deliberate plan to kill. “She hasn’t tried to suggest that anything she did on that day was justified,” Ms Rees told the jury.

The court heard how the defendant, just 13 at the time of the attack, was a withdrawn and unhappy child who struggled with mental health issues. Ms Rees described her as someone who “carried a knife daily” but insisted that this was not a sign of intent to kill, rather a means of self-harm. “She wasn’t a child who really had people to turn to,” Ms Rees said. “Instead, she tended to hide herself away, to isolate, and she drew.”

The defence referenced disturbing drawings and writings found in the defendant’s possession, which painted a picture of a lonely child fixated on dark themes. However, Ms Rees argued that these were not evidence of an intention to commit murder, but rather an outlet for her emotional distress.

“Fast and furious” attack lacked planning, says defence

While acknowledging that the defendant disliked Mrs Elias and the pupil she attacked, Ms Rees contended that this did not equate to a desire to take their lives. She pointed to statements the defendant made before the incident, including calling a drink her “last drink” and expressing a desire to get expelled, as signs of impulsive behaviour rather than a calculated murder plot.

Describing the attack on Mrs Elias as “fast and furious and over in under a minute,” Ms Rees argued that if the defendant had intended to kill, she would have chosen a more secluded location where she was less likely to be interrupted. “She did not seek to take them somewhere private. She did not plan a scenario where she could act without being stopped,” Ms Rees said.

The jury was also reminded of witness testimony that alleged the defendant had shouted “I’m going to f****** kill you” during the attack. Ms Rees argued that these words, while shocking, were spoken in a moment of heightened emotion rather than evidence of intent. “The 13-year-old defendant was angry, out of control, she could have said anything.”

Doubts over targeting of second teacher and pupil

Ms Rees also challenged the prosecution’s case regarding Ms Hopkin, one of the teachers who was wounded. The defendant had no known grievance against her, and Ms Rees highlighted the absence of any prior animosity between them. “There is no evidence whatsoever of any malice towards her,” she said.

Similarly, the defence disputed the claim that the defendant had made a direct threat to the teenage victim. Ms Rees pointed to inconsistencies in witness statements and suggested that “drama and talk and gossip on Snapchat and WhatsApp after the event” may have influenced recollections of what was said. “Just because somebody says ‘I’ll kill you’ or threatens to kill, it doesn’t mean they mean it,” she told the jury.

Defendant’s police van comments reflect shock, not guilt

The jury also heard about comments made by the defendant in the police van after her arrest. Prosecutors argued that her words demonstrated a clear awareness of what she had done. However, Ms Rees suggested they instead showed a child who was beginning to realise the gravity of her actions. “We say reality is beginning to dawn. She’s slowly realising what she’s done,” she said.

His Honour Judge Paul Thomas KC has now summed up the evidence, instructing the jury on the legal definitions of intent and the significance of the defendant’s age in assessing her culpability. The jury has retired to consider their verdicts.

Entertainment

Welsh crime thriller filmed in Pembroke Dock set for BBC debut

Published

on

A NEW Welsh crime thriller, The One That Got Away—previously shown on S4C as Cleddau—is set to premiere on BBC One Wales and BBC Four later this month.

The gripping six-part series, featuring an all-Welsh cast, will debut on BBC One Wales at 9:10pm on Tuesday, February 25. A double-bill of the first two episodes will air on BBC Four on St David’s Day, March 1, with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer.

The series stars Elen Rhys (The Mallorca Files, Craith/Hidden) as DI Ffion Lloyd, who is forced to team up with her former lover, DS Rick Sheldon, played by Richard Harrington (Y Gwyll/Hinterland), to investigate the murder of a nurse in a Welsh seaside town.

Written by Catherine Tregenna (Law & Order UK, Lewis, DCI Banks) and directed by Sion Ifan (Y Goleudy), the drama explores the unresolved past between the two detectives while a disturbing murder case unfolds. The killing shakes the small community, raising doubts about a historic conviction and suggesting the terrifying possibility of a copycat at large.

Actor Elen Rhys, who returned to Wales to film the series, said: “Coming home to Wales to film was a joy—immersing myself in everything Welsh. The talented, close-knit crew worked together so well, making it a truly lovely and extraordinary experience. I felt so lucky.”

The series promises a gripping mix of psychological depth, crime investigation, and the emotional entanglements of its lead characters, set against the atmospheric backdrop of Pembrokeshire.

Continue Reading

Community

Plans submitted for disability-friendly bridge at Tenby train station

Published

on

TENBY railway station could soon see a new accessible footbridge, with Network Rail submitting plans to the National Park for the installation of an ‘Access for All’ bridge at the Grade-II-listed Victorian station.

The proposal aims to improve accessibility, providing an unobstructed route from at least one station entrance to all platforms via the new footbridge. A supporting statement from Network Rail explains that the scheme is designed to ensure step-free access between platforms, replacing the current barrow crossing, which is not suitable for those with mobility issues.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “At Tenby Station, there is currently no obstacle-free accessible route between platforms 1 and 2. The existing barrow crossing does not provide suitable step-free access, and the proposed footbridge will address this issue.”

The plans, which include associated works to integrate the bridge with the historic station infrastructure, are now under consideration by the National Park authority. If approved, the scheme will mark a significant improvement in accessibility for passengers at the popular seaside station.

Continue Reading

Crime

Shoplifting concerns spread to Narberth as High Street pharmacy issues warning

Published

on

BUSINESSES in Narberth are facing mounting challenges as concerns over shoplifting spread beyond Tenby. Narberth High Street Pharmacy has issued a stark warning to local traders after a suspected theft incident, urging vigilance among businesses and the public.

In a statement posted online, the pharmacy said: “Warning to Narberth High Street. Another case of suspected theft. Please watch the video carefully. Items were not left behind after inspecting the shelves. It is extremely difficult for businesses to remain viable when this sort of thing happens.”

The pharmacy, which remains open seven days a week, highlighted the growing difficulties in maintaining a presence in the town due to ongoing retail crime.

Rising shoplifting across Pembrokeshire

The incident in Narberth follows widespread national coverage of shoplifting issues in Tenby, where local businesses have reported thousands of pounds in losses due to theft. The situation has drawn attention to a concerning trend across Pembrokeshire, where independent shops and pharmacies—already struggling with rising costs—are finding it increasingly difficult to operate.

According to the latest crime data, shoplifting offences have been rising in Wales, mirroring a nationwide trend. The Office for National Statistics reported a 23% increase in retail thefts across England and Wales in the past year. In Dyfed-Powys, shoplifting cases have surged by 12%, with many small businesses feeling the pressure.

Call for action

Narberth traders are now calling for more proactive policing and stronger deterrents to tackle the issue. While CCTV and security measures have been introduced by some businesses, many feel they are left to handle the problem themselves, with limited police resources available.

The pharmacy urged the community to assist in identifying the individual involved in the latest suspected theft, stating:

“If anyone has any info on this individual, please share so we can follow up with the police.”

With the problem now affecting multiple towns in Pembrokeshire, there is growing pressure for authorities to implement stronger measures to support businesses and protect livelihoods.

Continue Reading

Business4 hours ago

Council take legal action against 686 Pembrokeshire-based businesses

Scores of firms listed in court for non-payment of business rates HUNDREDS of businesses across Pembrokeshire are facing court action...

Crime1 day ago

Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn launches ambitious four-year policing plan

Public trust at the heart of new strategy DYFED-POWYS Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has unveiled his four-year Police...

Community1 day ago

Port’s support for library already ‘many hundreds of thousands of pounds’

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has confirmed that it is providing “significant financial support” to Milford Haven Library, with its...

Education2 days ago

Alarming new Estyn report reveals Welsh education in crisis

WALES’ education system is in turmoil, with an alarming new report from Estyn exposing deep-rooted issues plaguing schools across the...

News3 days ago

Concerns mount over rising violence in Welsh schools

VIOLENCE in Welsh schools has reached a deeply disturbing level, according to Darren Millar MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives,...

News3 days ago

Six-way battle for Haverfordwest’s Prendergast Ward council seat

A SIX-WAY battle to contest a Pembrokeshire seat made vacant following the resignation of local county councillor Andrew Edwards during...

News4 days ago

Broke local authority drops legal action against Withyhedge Landfill

Decision made due to financial constraints CASH-STRAPPED Pembrokeshire County Council has announced it will not proceed with legal action against...

News4 days ago

Secrecy over Milford Haven Library rent as council faces funding ultimatum

MILFORD HAVEN’S library remains under threat as Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) refuses to disclose the rent it pays to the...

News4 days ago

Person rescued as fire guts Clunderwen home

A PERSON was pulled from a burning house in Clunderwen on Friday (Feb 7) as a fierce fire ripped through...

Community4 days ago

Work continues on 20mph speed limit review as figures show fall in casualties

WORK is continuing on a review of the 20mph speed limit in some areas of Pembrokeshire where public feedback has...

Popular This Week