Crime

Trial of teen accused of attempted murder at Welsh school abandoned

Published

3 months ago

October 9, 2024

THE TRIAL of a teenage girl accused of attempting to murder two teachers and a pupil at a Welsh school has been dramatically halted as the jury was considering its verdicts.

Jurors in the case have been discharged, and a retrial is now set to take place.

The girl—whose identity cannot be revealed due to her age—was accused of attempting to murder teachers Fiona Elias and Liz Hopkin, along with a fellow pupil, during a multiple stabbing incident at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Ammanford in April.

While she denied the charges of attempted murder, she pleaded guilty to three counts of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing a knife on school premises.

The trial had been taking place at Swansea Crown Court.

Although the evidence had all been presented, the jury was deliberating when, on Wednesday morning, Judge Paul Thomas KC informed the court that the jurors would need to be discharged “with great reluctance” due to “a great irregularity in the jury,” which had irreparably compromised their ability to consider the case.

“It is very unsatisfactory to discharge the jury, especially for the defendant, who will now have to stand trial again,” the judge added.

The retrial is scheduled for January 27 next year.

In a related statement, Dyfed-Powys Police urged the public to avoid speculation regarding the details of the case, stating that it would not be appropriate to comment further while proceedings remain active.

The police said: ““Legal proceedings surrounding the incident at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman on Wednesday, April 24 are still active, and it would not be appropriate for us to comment any further at this time.

“A re-trial is set to begin on 27 January 2025.

“We would like to remind people that the teenager accused of three counts of attempted murder cannot be named for legal reasons.

“We urge people not to speculate on the details of the case, nor to share footage or material which could prejudice the case or cause further distress to those involved.”

On the day of the attack, emergency services, including two air ambulances, were dispatched to the school. A knife was recovered from the scene, and the victims—Ms Elias, Ms Hopkin, and a pupil—were taken to hospital. While none of the injuries were life-threatening, Ms Hopkin, who was stabbed in the neck, had to be airlifted for treatment.

The school was immediately locked down and remained closed the following day while investigations were carried out.

Crime

Youths failed to stop, then crashed into Milford Haven home

Published

2 days ago

December 28, 2024

Tom Sinclair

POLICE in Milford Haven have arrested two male youths following a fail-to-stop incident that ended with their car crashing into a residential property on Hamilton Terrace.

The incident occurred at 10:50pm on Friday (Dec 27). According to officers, a black Mercedes failed to stop on North Road before speeding along The Rath and turning back onto Hamilton Terrace. As the car continued down the road, it was met by a second police vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.

In an attempt to avoid the oncoming police car and another pursuing from behind, the vehicle tried to drive up Francis Street against the one-way system. However, it failed to make the turn and crashed into a residential property.

The occupants then fled on foot, with one officer pursuing on foot and another driving against the one-way system towards The Trafalgar Public House.

The property sustained damage to a wall, and the vehicle was left undrivable and is now being recovered. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.

The police were seen searching the crashed vehicle, and took several paper bags full of potential evidence from the scene.

Crime

Motorist, 27, bailed after fatal Carmarthenshire hit-and-run collision

Published

2 days ago

December 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

OFFICERS are continuing to investigate a fatal road traffic collision that occurred in Llanpumsaint on Monday (December 23), which claimed the life of 38-year-old Aaron Jones.

A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop for a collision, and failing to report a collision. He has since been released on bail with conditions while serious collision investigation and CSI teams continue their enquiries.

The collision happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm while Aaron was walking his dog. Police believe the vehicle involved was travelling northbound through the village at the time.

Specially trained officers continue to support Aaron’s family, who have requested privacy during this difficult time.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Our investigation into this tragic incident remains ongoing, and we are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have dashcam footage, CCTV, or doorbell camera recordings from the area around the time of the collision to come forward.”

The road has since reopened, but police presence in the area remains while enquiries continue.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police using the details provided in the comments.

Crime

Arrest after fatal Carmarthenshire hit-and-run

Published

5 days ago

December 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A MAN has been arrested following a fatal hit-and-run collision in Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire, on Monday (December 23), which claimed the life of 38-year-old Aaron Jones.

The incident happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm while Aaron was walking his dog. Police said the vehicle involved, a blue car with noticeable damage, was travelling northbound through the village at the time of the collision.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that the vehicle believed to have been involved has now been located, and a 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop for a collision, and failing to report a collision.

Specially trained officers are supporting Aaron’s family, who have asked for privacy during this difficult time.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are appealing to anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has dashcam footage from the area during the relevant times to contact us immediately.”

The road remains closed while investigations continue, and residents can expect an increased police presence in the area.

Anyone with dashcam footage, doorbell camera recordings, or CCTV footage from the area is urged to check their recordings and contact Dyfed-Powys Police immediately using the details provided in the comments.