Crime

Teenage girl on trial for attempted murder at Ammanford school stabbing

Published

4 months ago

September 30, 2024

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.

***Scenes of crimes officer at the scene the day after the incident (Image: BBC)***

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.

***Crown Court: The trial is taking place in Swansea (Pic: File)***

Crime

Farmer cleared of restraining order breach at Haverfordwest court

Published

10 hours ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been found not guilty of breaching a restraining order after being accused of referencing a protected individual in a Facebook post.

Philip Stoddart, 58, of Monkhill Farm, St Ishmaels, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Jan 20) to face the charge. The prosecution, led by Ann Griffiths on behalf of the crown, alleged that between December 4 and December 13, 2023, Stoddart made a Facebook post that, by inference, referred to a person he was prohibited from contacting under a restraining order imposed by Swansea Crown Court on April 16, 2021.

The restraining order, issued under Section 360 of the Sentencing Act 2020, barred Stoddart from making any form of contact with her.

Prosecutors argued that the Facebook post constituted a breach of the order, contrary to Section 363 of the same act.

Stoddart denied the allegations and entered a not guilty plea during a prior hearing on October 1, 2024.

Magistrates Professor N. Negus, Mr. J. Steadman, and Mrs. J. Morris presided over the trial, which concluded on Monday.

After reviewing the evidence, the bench found Stoddart not guilty, dismissing the case.

The dismissal brings to a close legal proceedings that had been ongoing for over a year.

Crime

Killer Axel Rudakubana removed from court after outburst during sentencing

Published

12 hours ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

AXEL RUDAKUBANA, 18, of Cardiff, was removed from the dock at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday (Jan 23) after launching a shocking outburst during his sentencing for the premeditated murders of three young girls.

He has been jailed for a minimum of 52 years.

The court heard harrowing details of his attack, which took place during a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop at The Hart Space in Southport on July 29, 2024. The victims, Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were fatally stabbed in the horrific incident.

***Face of evil: Rudakubana’s police custody photo (Image: Police)***

Rudakubana, dressed in a grey tracksuit and surgical mask, entered the courtroom at 11:45am and immediately placed his head between his knees. He refused to confirm his name when asked. Minutes into the proceedings, he began shouting and was ordered to leave. His outbursts included claims of illness, stating: “I am not fit, I am ill. I need a paramedic.”

Despite his protests, Mr Justice Goose confirmed that paramedics had assessed the defendant and found him fit for sentencing. Defence barrister Stanley Reiz KC informed the court that Rudakubana had not eaten for days and complained of chest pains, but the judge proceeded after Rudakubana’s removal.

The Attack: Premeditation and violence

The court heard the murders were part of a calculated plan by Rudakubana, who had purchased a kitchen knife with a 20cm blade on July 13, 2024, using a VPN to hide his identity. On the day of the attack, he travelled by taxi to the event, armed with the knife. Dashcam footage revealed him asking for directions to The Hart Space before leaving the taxi without paying.

Upon entering the dance studio, where 26 children and two adults were present, he immediately began his rampage, targeting children as they tried to flee. Prosecution barrister Deanna Heer KC detailed the chilling moments, saying, “Screams were heard within 30 seconds of his entry. Many of the wounds inflicted were to the victims’ backs as they attempted to escape.”

Ms Heer described the stabbings as “sadistic in nature,” with several injuries indicating the use of severe force. Rudakubana killed three children and injured 13 others, including instructor Leanne Lucas, 35, and businessman Jonathan Hayes, 63.

Victims and families

***Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were fatally stabbed in the horrific incident.***

The parents of the three young girls were present in court but requested that details of their children’s injuries not be reported. In a statement released by Merseyside Police, the families of Alice, Bebe, and Elsie asked for respect and privacy.

Instructor Leanne Lucas sustained life-threatening injuries, including multiple stab wounds to her neck and back. She underwent emergency surgery after suffering significant blood loss. Jonathan Hayes was stabbed in the leg and required surgical repair.

Disturbing evidence uncovered

Searches of Rudakubana’s home in Banks, Lancashire, revealed disturbing materials. Officers found documents on genocide, weapons, and terror manuals, including The Al-Qaeda Training Manual, which he had downloaded multiple times since 2021. The manual included instructions on knife attacks and ricin production.

In his bedroom, police discovered castor beans and equipment used to produce ricin, a deadly toxin. Though evidence suggested the toxin was never used, forensic analysis confirmed that he had created a crude preparation capable of lethal doses.

Other items recovered included a machete, arrows, and a black holdall. In the weeks leading up to the attack, Rudakubana had also researched violent content and purchased weapons online, taking steps to disguise his activities.

A window Into a disturbed mind

Ms Heer told the court, “The material found on his devices provides a window into the defendant’s mind. It shows a fascination with extreme violence and killings.” Evidence included cached images from websites, videos of violent acts, and searches for content related to mass stabbings.

While in custody, Rudakubana made chilling comments, saying: “I’m glad those kids are dead. It’s a good thing they are dead.”

Courtroom outbursts

Throughout the proceedings, Rudakubana disrupted the court with repeated outbursts. After being removed once, he was allowed to return but again shouted for medical attention, leading to his second removal. The judge reassured the public gallery that paramedics had deemed him fit to attend.

The case has shocked the nation, with many struggling to comprehend the calculated nature of the attack and the scale of the tragedy.

Pictured above: Axel Rudakubana being transported to Liverpool Crown Court (Pic: Liverpool Echo)

Crime

Police investigate as spate of burglaries hits West Wales communities

Published

14 hours ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have said they are investigating a series of burglaries that occurred in the St Clears, Narberth, and Haverfordwest areas on 22 January 2025. The incidents, which police believe are linked, have resulted in property damage and the theft of valuable items including cash, jewellery, and power tools.

Detective Inspector Owen Lock has reassured the public that enquiries are ongoing and the force is committed to apprehending those responsible. He urged residents to report any suspicious activities, emphasising the importance of community vigilance.

“No matter how insignificant it may seem, please report all suspicious activity to police immediately, and don’t assume someone else would have notified us,” DI Lock stated.

In light of these events, police are advising residents and second-home owners to check their properties, ensure they are secure, and safeguard valuables by using protective marking and secure storage.

This recent spate of burglaries follows an attempted break-in at a flat above the Welsh Bakery in Robert Street, Milford Haven, between 18 and 20 January 2025.

The proximity in time and location suggests a possible surge in criminal activity in the region.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any concerns to Dyfed-Powys Police via their website, email, social media, or by calling 101. For those wishing to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555111 or through their website.

As investigations continue, local authorities are working to enhance community safety and prevent further incidents. Residents are advised to review their home security measures and stay informed about crime prevention strategies available on the Dyfed-Powys Police website.