A TEENAGER who stabbed three people at a Carmarthenshire school told police she wanted “more eyes on her” as the incident would be reported in the news, a jury has heard.

Teachers Fiona Elias and Liz Hopkin, along with a pupil, were injured in the attack at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, Ammanford, on April 24, 2024.

The 14-year-old girl, who cannot be named due to her age, has admitted carrying out the triple stabbing but denies three counts of attempted murder.

On the fourth day of the trial at Swansea Crown Court, the jury was shown bodycam footage from a police officer. In the video, the girl is seen sitting in a police vehicle, asking: “Are they going to die?”

‘One way to be a celebrity’

She then added: “I’ve had loads of eyes on me today. Sooner or later, I’m sure this is going to be on the news, so even more people will be looking at me.

“That’s one way to be a celebrity.”

The court heard that she admitted stabbing the pupil while in the police vehicle, saying “oopsies” afterwards.

‘Cold’ demeanour

A video of her arrest was also shown, with a Dyfed-Powys Police officer describing her demeanour as “cold” in a witness statement.

The jury was shown drawings found in the teenager’s notebooks, including one featuring the injured pupil’s name surrounded by words such as “burning” and “death”. Other phrases included, “Why do I want to kill others just as much as I want to kill myself?” and “Why do I feel nothing but hate?”

One entry read: “I feel like I’m going to commit a crime of a lifetime.”

Another drawing, titled “Mrs Frogface Elias,” was also shown to the court.

Injuries and bloodshed

The jury was presented with images of the injuries suffered by the victims. Prosecution barrister William Hughes KC described a wound to Ms Hopkin’s neck, while the wounds suffered by Ms Elias and the pupil were described as “superficial”.

Witness statements from emergency workers described a “considerable amount of blood on the floor” around Ms Hopkin.

The trial continues.

More officers on streets as government doubles funding

WALES is set to see a surge in neighbourhood policing as the government doubles its funding to £200 million, aiming to restore a visible police presence in local communities.

The investment, which builds on December’s initial £100 million pledge, is intended to reverse years of declining police numbers on the streets. Each of Wales’s four police forces will receive a significant funding boost:

• Dyfed-Powys Police: Up to £160.4m – a 5.9% increase
• Gwent Police: Up to £193.3m – a 5.8% increase
• North Wales Police: Up to £223.0m – a 6.1% increase
• South Wales Police: Up to £434.3m – a 6.2% increase

More boots on the ground

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the funding as a “turning point” for policing, stating: “By doubling extra neighbourhood funding to £200m, we are giving forces across the country what they need to put more officers and PCSOs where they’re needed most – on our streets and in our town centres.”

She added that dedicated officers who understand their local areas will help tackle crime before it escalates, with new powers being introduced to further support policing efforts.

The investment is part of the Safer Streets initiative, which will see 13,000 additional officers, PCSOs, and special constables deployed in communities across the country. While the full impact will take time, this first year of funding signals the government’s commitment to making it a priority.

North Wales leads the way

The success of #RenewRhyl, a policing initiative in North Wales, has been highlighted as an example of what dedicated local policing can achieve. The scheme has led to a 14% drop in recorded crime, showing how increased police visibility can make a real difference.

Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, welcomed the extra funding, saying: “Neighbourhood policing is at the heart of my plan for fighting crime in North Wales. Initiatives like #RenewRhyl show that when local people are put at the heart of policing, we see real results.”

Chief Superintendent Owain Llewellyn echoed these sentiments, saying: “We have been clear throughout that this is for the community and involving the community. We have had fantastic support and buy-in from local people who have worked with us to identify the priorities for their areas.”

A long-term commitment

With more funding expected in this autumn’s spending review, the government says this is just the beginning of a wider push to strengthen policing. Plans include giving officers new powers through the Crime and Policing Bill, such as Respect Orders to tackle anti-social behaviour in town centres.

Every neighbourhood will also have a named, contactable officer, ensuring that communities know who to turn to for local policing issues.

With more officers, stronger powers, and local priorities shaping the approach, the government says it is backing the police to deliver the safer streets people deserve.

POLICE have issued a warning after two nights of protests outside a property in Burton, where demonstrators gathered in response to a court decision granting bail to a man accused of serious child abuse offences.

Officers were called to the address at around 7:00pm on Tuesday (Jan 28) following reports of a crowd forming outside the property. A second gathering took place the following night (Jan 29), prompting further police presence.

During the second protest, officers arrested two men—one aged 47 on suspicion of affray and another aged 58 on suspicion of aggravated trespass. Both have since been released on bail with conditions while investigations continue.

Police confirmed that body-worn footage from both incidents is being reviewed, warning that any individuals found to have committed offences will face further action.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We will always seek to facilitate peaceful protest while balancing it with the rights of others, keeping the public safe, and preventing crime and disorder.

“We encourage anyone organising a protest to contact us so we can work together to ensure any demonstrations are conducted safely and with respect for the wider community.”

The demonstrations follow public outrage over the case of Christopher Phillips, 33, who has been charged with the sexual penetration of a seven-week-old baby, as well as assault, ill-treatment, neglect, and abandonment causing serious physical harm. His co-accused, Bryony O’Rourke, faces related charges of allowing a child to suffer serious harm.

On Friday (Jan 25), Phillips was re-granted bail, sparking fury among locals, with around 40 people gathering outside the Burton property on Tuesday to voice their anger. The Herald understands that police at the scene informed protesters that Phillips was not present at the address.

One demonstrator told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “We’re here for the baby. It’s not right that people accused of such horrific crimes are allowed to walk free in the community.”

While initial reports described the protest as peaceful, police have now intervened following the second night of demonstrations, urging the public to express their concerns through legal means and avoid any actions that could lead to criminal charges.

The investigation into the case is ongoing.