Swansea Crown Court hears dramatic opening of trial over February stabbing

A 15-YEAR-OLD boy from Milford Haven has gone on trial accused of attempting to murder a teacher in what prosecutors described as a “planned and murderous attack” inside a classroom.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is alleged to have stabbed teacher Vicki Williams in the head with a large kitchen knife during an incident at Milford Haven Comprehensive School on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.

Opening the case at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (July 6), Christopher Rees KC told the jury the defendant had brought the weapon into school in his bag before targeting the teacher.

“The prosecution say the defendant planned and launched a murderous attack,” he said. “He deliberately stabbed Vicki Williams in the head.”

Struggle in the classroom

The court heard the incident unfolded at around 3:10pm when the boy allegedly followed Miss Williams into an empty classroom.

During a struggle, he is said to have pushed her into a chair as she attempted to seize the knife. The court was told she sustained a penetrating wound to the head, along with defensive injuries to her hands and additional scratches and grazes.

When Miss Williams shouted for help, the defendant fled the scene.

Emergency services attended and the teacher was taken to hospital but discharged later the same evening.

Charges denied

The defendant denies attempted murder, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and unlawful wounding. He has previously admitted possessing a bladed article.

A jury of 12, along with an alternate juror, was sworn in before Judge Paul Thomas KC. The trial is expected to last up to three weeks.

Matthew Roberts KC is representing the defence.

Community impact

The incident sent shockwaves through the Milford Haven community and prompted a temporary lockdown at the school on the day.

At the time, parents raised concerns about knife awareness, pupil wellbeing, and staff safety in secondary schools.

Dyfed-Powys Police previously confirmed the arrest of a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of attempted murder following the incident.

Pembrokeshire County Council and school leaders have said the welfare of pupils and staff remains a priority, but fuller details of any internal review have not been disclosed while criminal proceedings are ongoing.

The trial continues.

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is asking residents, property owners and stakeholders to have their say on the future level of Council Tax premiums for second homes and long-term empty properties.

The consultation will help shape the council’s approach for the 2027-28 financial year, with any agreed changes due to take effect from April 1, 2027.

Council Tax premiums are additional charges placed on top of standard Council Tax bills, which also include the precepts set by Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner and town and community councils.

The council says the consultation will gather views on what level the premiums should be set at in future, as well as how any income raised should be used to support local priorities in Pembrokeshire.

Cllr Jon Harvey, Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, said: “We want to hear from as many people as possible on this important issue.

“By taking part in the consultation, residents and stakeholders can help shape future decisions and ensure that a wide range of views are considered before any recommendations are made.

“Please have your say by the closing date of Monday, August 10, 2026.”

The consultation includes background information on Council Tax premiums, the current position in Pembrokeshire and the legal framework within which the authority must operate.

Residents can take part online through the Pembrokeshire County Council website.

Paper copies are also available by calling 01437 764551 or emailing [email protected].

A final decision on the options, including how any funding raised through the premiums will be used, is expected to be made by full council at its meeting on October 15, 2026.

Any decision agreed at that meeting will come into effect from April 1, 2027.

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been found not guilty of rape and assault by penetration following a trial at Swansea Crown Court.

Jack Branston, 22, of Gerald Road, Haverfordwest, was unanimously acquitted by a jury of both charges.

The allegations related to events said to have taken place during the summer of 2023. Mr Branston denied both offences throughout the proceedings.

Following the jury’s verdicts, Judge Geraint Walters formally discharged Mr Branston.

Dyfed Thomas represented the defendant, while Robin Rouch prosecuted.