Milford Haven teacher gives evidence as trial of 15-year-old continues at Swansea Crown Court

A TEACHER allegedly stabbed at Milford Haven Comprehensive School has told a jury there were no problems between her and the accused pupil in the hours before the attack.

Vicki Williams, giving evidence at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday, said she had taught the 15-year-old defendant during a history lesson earlier on February 5, 2026, and had no concerns about his behaviour.

The teenager, who cannot be identified because of his age, denies attempted murder, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and unlawful wounding. He has admitted possessing a bladed article.

Mrs Williams told the court she taught the defendant between 9.25am and 10.30am on the day of the incident.

Asked about her relationship with the pupil, she said there had been no issues during the lesson and that, from her perspective, they had always got on well.

The court heard that after the school day ended at around 3.10pm, the defendant approached Mrs Williams while she was working in a classroom.

Mrs Williams told jurors that he stood beside her and engaged her in conversation while searching through his school bag.

She said she believed he was looking for something and continued talking to him as he rifled through the bag.

The jury heard that moments later she saw him remove an object before she was knocked backwards into a chair.

Looking up, she said she saw a knife in his hand.

Mrs Williams told the court she suffered a stab wound to the head during the incident.

She said she later injured her hand while attempting to grab the knife in an effort to stop herself being stabbed again.

The teacher received treatment in hospital following the incident.

The court also heard that an unrelated incident had occurred earlier in the day when a lower pane of glass in a classroom door was broken while Mrs Williams was teaching another class.

The prosecution alleges the defendant carried out a planned attack on the teacher. The defence denies the allegations.

The trial before Judge Paul Thomas KC is expected to continue for several weeks.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will continue to report from Swansea Crown Court as further evidence is heard.

Duty manager says she was left shaken after glass jar was allegedly thrown at her head

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an alleged assault at Iceland in Haverfordwest, where a duty manager says she was injured after a glass jar was thrown at her head.

Dyfed-Powys Police has now confirmed it is investigating the incident and is asking anyone with information to come forward.

The incident happened at the Iceland store in Haverfordwest town centre. The Herald previously reported that a member of staff had been left shaken, anxious and struggling to feel safe at work following the alleged attack.

The worker, who has asked not to be named, said a man entered the shop late in the evening, became abusive, threw items from shelves and allegedly threw a jar at her head.

She told The Herald: “A male entered the shop late evening being abusive. He then proceeded to throw items off the shelves and threw a jar at my head.

“I didn’t know what to do. I was thinking of the customers still in and around the store.”

The duty manager said she later required medical treatment for a head injury.

She said: “I’ve had my head glued, had headaches and trouble sleeping. I’m still going to work but very anxious doing so.”

She added that returning to work had been extremely difficult.

“It was very frightening going back to work not feeling safe,” she said. “The memories are raw. The smells and visions are going to hang around for a while yet.”

The worker said the incident highlighted wider concerns about abuse and violence faced by retail staff.

She said: “There’s not much a retail worker can do. Our options are limited. We can’t approach any customers. Our store has very little security options.

“We can only call emergency services and ask the person to leave. By the time emergency help has arrived, it’s usually too late, whether it’s your usual theft or incidents like this.”

She said more security was needed to protect shop workers and customers in Haverfordwest.

“There needs to be more security presence,” she said. “I’m not just speaking of Iceland, but I’m sure most shops in Haverfordwest are very open to thefts and abuse, from children up to impatient customers of all ages.

“Whether that’s police or stores employing their own security, something needs to happen.”

Despite the incident, the duty manager thanked customers, colleagues, nearby shops and family members for their support.

She said: “Everybody who has heard of the situation has looked after me, and I’m definitely learning of the community spirit here in Haverfordwest.

“I know the locals know who I am but I don’t want the attention. I just need to heal and power through this.

“I’m just grateful for everyone’s help and only want everyone to feel safe at work.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information which could help police, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by calling 101, or by emailing [email protected].

A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has been remanded in custody after admitting a series of offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray, and criminal damage to a Dyfed-Powys Police vehicle.

Justin Thomas, 33, of no fixed abode, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday, July 6.

Thomas admitted assaulting Kayleigh Marshall in Llanelli on June 27, 2025, causing her actual bodily harm.

He also admitted criminal damage following an incident in Llanelli on June 7, 2026, when a police vehicle belonging to Dyfed-Powys Police was damaged.

On the same date, Thomas was further charged with affray, after using or threatening unlawful violence towards others in conduct which would have caused a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for their safety.

He also admitted damaging a window and property fixtures belonging to Phillip’s Lane Ltd.

Magistrates committed Thomas to Swansea Crown Court for sentence, ruling that their sentencing powers were insufficient.

He was remanded in custody ahead of his next hearing, which is due to take place at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, July 27.

Court records state that bail was refused due to the nature and seriousness of the offences, his previous record and character, and concerns that he was likely to offend.

The court also noted that Thomas was subject to a conditional discharge for assaulting a police constable at the time the latest offences were committed.