Crime
Teenage girl on trial for attempted murder at Ammanford school stabbing
A 14-year-old girl accused of attempting to murder two teachers and a fellow student at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Ammanford has appeared in court as her trial began today. The defendant, who cannot be named due to her age, has pleaded guilty to three charges of wounding with intent and possession of a knife on school premises but denies three counts of attempted murder.
The trial, held at Swansea Crown Court before Judge Paul Thomas KC, opened with Prosecutor William Hughes KC describing the incident on April 24 as a “serious episode of violence.” He detailed how the defendant approached teacher Fiona Elias in the school yard that morning, giving her what was described as a “sinister look” before producing a silver blade from the pocket of her cargo pants.
The court heard that during the morning break, the defendant attacked Mrs Elias with a multi-tool knife, reportedly shouting, “I am going to f kill you.” As Mrs Elias attempted to defend herself, fellow staff member Liz Hopkin intervened, grabbing the defendant from behind in an effort to restrain her. In the ensuing struggle, the defendant dropped the knife momentarily, but quickly retrieved it and continued the attack, stabbing Ms Hopkin multiple times.
After injuring the two teachers, the defendant moved towards a teenage student, calling out her name and shouting, “I am going to kill you.” The student was knocked to the ground and suffered stab wounds to her back and minor injuries to her legs. Other members of staff and students became aware of the commotion, and two male staff members – Darrell Campbell and Stephen Hagget – approached the defendant in an attempt to calm her. Witnesses described the defendant as having “a vacant look on her face” throughout the incident.
The prosecution outlined that the defendant had a history of bringing a knife to school. Earlier in the academic year, Mrs Elias had discovered a small kitchen knife in the defendant’s bag, which led to a school policy requiring the defendant to undergo daily bag checks. However, on the day of the attack, the defendant left home before her father could conduct the usual check, taking the fishing multi-tool without his knowledge.
Mrs Elias suffered stab wounds to her arms and thumb. Ms Hopkin sustained the most serious injuries, including wounds to her leg, the rear of her left chest, and a stab wound at the top of her neck into the trapezius muscle. The teenage victim received wounds to her back and legs. Emergency services arrived at the school shortly after the attack, and Mrs Elias and the student were taken to Morriston Hospital in Swansea. Ms Hopkin was airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. All three victims were discharged from hospital the following day.
Following the defendant’s arrest, police conducted a search of her home. Among the items found was a school planner with the phrase “death before dishonour” and other writings, including the phrase “cutting mouths and eyes to death.” Mr Hughes told the jury that these items suggested the defendant’s intention on the day of the attack.
During her arrest, the defendant made several comments, which the prosecution argues are significant in understanding her mindset. In the back of the police vehicle, she reportedly asked, “Are they dead?” and stated, “I am pretty sure this is going to be on the news… more eyes will be on me… that’s one way of being a celebrity.” She also queried how she would face her family after what had happened. However, when interviewed by the police in the presence of her father, she exercised her right to respond with “no comment” to all questions.
The jury was shown CCTV footage from the school depicting the attack, along with mobile phone footage shot by students and footage from police body-worn cameras. These videos provided the court with a detailed visual account of the incident. The judge instructed the jury that special screens would be installed to allow them to view the footage up close as part of the evidence.
Prosecution emphasises intent
Prosecutor Mr Hughes KC explained that while the defendant does not dispute stabbing the three victims or bringing the multi-tool to school, the issue the jury must consider is whether she had the intent to kill. The jury was informed they would need to evaluate each case individually to decide if the defendant intended to commit murder.
It was revealed in court that the defendant had previously been caught with a small kitchen knife at school, resulting in her parents agreeing to subject her to daily bag searches. On the day of the incident, she had left home early, avoiding these checks. The court also heard that the defendant had made concerning drawings and notes, including references to violence against others.
After the prosecution outlined the case, proceedings for the day concluded. The trial will not sit on Tuesday, with hearings scheduled to resume on Wednesday when the jury will hear further evidence.
The 14-year-old defendant was arrested at the scene following the attack. Emergency services quickly arrived at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, placing the school on lockdown. Both Mrs Elias and Ms Hopkin have since expressed gratitude for the support they received from the school community. The trial, expected to last two weeks, will continue to explore whether the defendant intended to kill her victims, as charged.
Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations
A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.
The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.
The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.
Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.
“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.
“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”
Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.
“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.
“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.
“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.
Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.
Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.
The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.
You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.
Support is also available via the below support services:
Victim Support Dyfed-Powys
Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.
0300 123 2996
Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)
Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.
01267 221194
Live Fear Free Helpline
24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.
0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333
A YOUNG rugby player was left fighting for his life after being stabbed repeatedly outside a Gorseinon social club — and on Friday (Dec 19) the man responsible was jailed at Swansea Crown Court.
Morgan Hopkins, aged 18 at the time of the attack, was seriously injured in the early hours of Sunday (June 22) outside The New Lodge Social Club on Alexandra Road.
Mr Hopkins, known to friends as “Hobby”, is a local rugby player with Morriston RFC. He had been waiting for a lift home with his girlfriend when trouble broke out nearby.
The court heard that Mr Hopkins attempted to defuse a confrontation between another group of males and Kane Evans. As tensions rose, Evans approached Mr Hopkins armed with a knife.
In a final attempt to calm the situation, Mr Hopkins reportedly said: “No one needed to get hurt.”
Moments later, Evans launched a ferocious and unprovoked attack.
Mr Hopkins was stabbed no fewer than ten times to the chest and abdomen. Surgeons later told police that one of the wounds was less than half an inch from being fatal.
He underwent extensive emergency surgery and was left with lasting physical and psychological injuries.
In a victim personal statement read to the court, Mr Hopkins described the terror of the attack and the devastating impact it has had on his life.
He said his dream of playing professional rugby had been put on hold, adding that the loss of weekly matches had left him feeling lost and isolated. He told the court he no longer felt safe in his own home and struggled to go out, describing ongoing anxiety and depression.
Mr Hopkins also detailed the financial consequences of the attack, saying he had lost around £4,800 in wages and a further £800 from a cancelled holiday.
Police confirmed that Kane Evans, now aged 21, had gone out that night armed with a kitchen knife and may also have been carrying a second Stanley-type blade.
Officers said Evans was aggressive at the time of his arrest and was later charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article.
At Swansea Crown Court today, Evans was sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison, with an extended licence period of five years to follow.
Passing sentence, the judge described the attack as random and extremely violent, warning that Evans posed a serious ongoing risk to the public.
Family members and supporters of Mr Hopkins were present in court as the sentence was handed down.
Since the attack, friends, teammates and members of the local community have rallied around Mr Hopkins, offering support as he continues his recovery from injuries that have permanently altered his life.
Officers ask residents to check CCTV and dashcam footage
POLICE are appealing for information following the theft of a vehicle in Ystradowen on Thursday evening (Dec 18).
A silver Ford Fiesta, registration CV05 CVJ, was reported stolen from a property on Brynawel Terrace, Penygraig Road, at around 5.30pm.
The vehicle was later discovered on New Road, Cwmllynfell, where it had been involved in a collision with a lamppost.
Dyfed-Powys Police are asking anyone who may have seen the vehicle, or who lives or travelled along the route between Brynawel Terrace and New Road, Cwmllynfell, to check their CCTV or dashcam footage in case the incident was captured.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by calling 101, or by sending a direct message via social media.
Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Quote reference: 25*1032732.
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