Crime

Man charged over first Carmarthenshire school stabbing trial collapse

Published

1 year ago

May 2, 2025

Juror accused of failing to disclose information as teenager jailed for 15 years

A MAN has been charged after the collapse of the first trial involving a schoolgirl who stabbed two teachers and a fellow pupil at a Carmarthenshire school.

Christopher Elias, aged 45, from Waunceirch, Neath Port Talbot, is accused of failing to answer a question about his eligibility to serve as a juror under the Juries Act 1974.

He appeared at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on April 23 and is due to appear again on May 14.

The case relates to the first trial of a 14-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, accused of attempting to murder deputy head Fiona Elias, teacher Liz Hopkin and a fellow pupil at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Ammanford. That trial collapsed last October due to what the judge described as a “great irregularity in the jury”.

Following a retrial which began in January, the girl was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on April 28 to 15 years’ detention.

The court heard how she stabbed the three victims while screaming “I’m going to kill you” during an attack at the school last April. She was convicted of three counts of attempted murder.

The charge against Elias alleges that he refused to disclose information which would have disqualified him from serving as a juror.

Under the Juries Act 1974, anyone summoned for jury service must meet specific eligibility requirements. These include being aged 18 to 75, being a UK resident, and not being disqualified due to factors such as criminal convictions, mental health issues, or certain occupations. Court officials are permitted to ask questions to confirm a person’s eligibility.

Refusing to answer such questions truthfully — or withholding disqualifying information — is a criminal offence. It can lead to prosecution if it affects the fairness or legality of a trial, as allegedly happened in this case.

Crime

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

18 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.

The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.

The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.

Crime

Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts

Published

18 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.

The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.

Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.

She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.

Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.

The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.

The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.

In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.

Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.