Crime

Teenage girl on trial for attempted murder at Ammanford school stabbing

Published

1 year 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

Milford Haven drug dealing pub boss who boasted of ‘best coke around’ jailed

Published

10 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Dealer who claimed £160,000 profits was later calling police for protection as threats escalated over money he owed to his suppliers

A MILFORD HAVEN drug dealer who bragged he had “the best coke out there” and claimed to have made up to £160,000 in just four months has been jailed for six years.

But behind the image of a confident, high-earning operator, the reality was starkly different — a man in debt, under threat, and repeatedly calling police for protection as his world closed in.

***Police at Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven in 2025, protecting Dan Booth from drug dealers who threatened to kill him*** (Pic : Herald)

The 35-year-old defendant admitted multiple offences relating to the supply of cocaine and cannabis when he appeared before Swansea Crown Court.

The court heard he played a significant role in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, purchasing large quantities — including claims he was buying cocaine by the kilogram — and maintaining contact with upstream suppliers.

In messages shown to the court, he boasted about his profits, claiming to have made £38,000 and suggesting that far larger sums were within reach. He also claimed to have earned £160,000 in just four months and said he had bought two houses.

He told customers he had “the best coke out there” and responded aggressively to complaints, stating: “Out of £30,000 worth, you’re the only one to complain,” before adding: “Bad mouthing me is a bad idea you little slag.”

***The Vibe pub in Milford Haven is now closed following Dan Booth being jailed for six years***

Violence and intimidation

The court was also shown chilling footage of a confrontation at a property on the Mount Estate, where the defendant was heard directing violence over a debt.

In the video, he shouted: “I got boys, yeah, I got boys,” before telling others to “kick his head in” as the attack unfolded inside the victim’s home.

Witnesses described him as having become a “kingpin” in Milford Haven’s drug scene, operating from The Vibe public house, which they claimed was used as both a legitimate business front and a base linked to drug dealing.

Fear behind the façade

Yet the court heard that behind the bravado, the defendant was living in fear.

He had accumulated drug debts estimated at between £18,000 and £26,000 and was being threatened by those higher up the supply chain. His partner reported people turning up at their home, with threats including claims it would be bombed or burned down.

The Herald attended his home address on multiple occasions to report on police activity after he called officers for protection.

In a direct call to this newspaper during the period, he said: “There are threats to my life — people want me dead, dead. I don’t want this in the paper. It’s over money… hundreds of thousands of pounds.”

Documents reveal further pressure

The Herald can also reveal that the defendant was served with a statutory demand in late 2025 over an alleged unpaid debt relating to stock, fixtures and fittings following his takeover of The Vibe public house in March 2024.

Documents seen by this newspaper indicate the financial pressures he was under extended beyond drug debts.

National attention

The case has already drawn national interest, with Channel 4 making a documentary featuring the defendant after interviewing local people in Milford Haven over recent months.

‘Significant role’ in drug trade

Police arrested the defendant on January 5 last year on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. A search of an address on Priory Road uncovered 18 grams of cannabis, while a separate incident involving a vehicle led to the discovery of 73 grams of cocaine and cannabis.

Prosecutors said he was actively involved in the supply of drugs and purchasing large quantities, describing him as a key player in the local trade.

He has 57 previous convictions, mostly for theft-related offences.

‘Only a custodial sentence’

Defending, Mr Ibrihim described his client’s background as a “tale of woe,” telling the court his father was addicted to heroin and his mother struggled with alcohol. His younger sister died in 2022.

The court heard he had gone “off the rails” in his late teens and that his drug dealing was linked to debts, including those connected to his father. It was also said that many of his claims about wealth were exaggerated and amounted to “bravado”.

Sentencing, the judge said: “The seriousness of this offending means that only an immediate custodial sentence is appropriate.

“You played a significant role in drug dealing. What is clear is that you were dealing with a lot of cocaine.

“I have no doubt that some of what you did was due to pressure, but some of it was for your own gain.”

The judge added that despite the defendant’s claims of wealth, “you haven’t got hardly anything left”.

For the supply of cocaine, he was sentenced to six years in prison, with a concurrent sentence of 30 months for supplying cannabis.

He will serve at least half the sentence in custody before being eligible for release.

A victim surcharge of £228 was also imposed.

Crime

New pilot offers dedicated advocates for trafficking survivors

Published

18 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

National scheme aims to support hundreds of victims of modern slavery across the UK

MORE than 600 adult survivors of modern slavery are set to receive dedicated support through a new national pilot scheme providing accredited, independent advocates.

The initiative will see specially trained professionals working directly alongside survivors of human trafficking and exploitation, helping them navigate complex legal, social, and recovery processes.

While survivors of crimes such as domestic and sexual abuse already have access to specialist advocacy, no equivalent provision previously existed for victims of modern slavery—despite the often severe and long-term trauma they experience.

Over the next three years, 24 Independent Modern Slavery Advocates (IMSAs) will be deployed across the UK. Each advocate will complete a postgraduate qualification and receive support from a central hub hosted by anti-trafficking charity Hope for Justice.

Tim Nelson, CEO at Hope for Justice, said the pilot aims to tackle inequalities in support: “We want to end the postcode lottery that adult survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking are experiencing in the UK.

“There are many organisations already doing incredible work, but by working together and setting new standards, we can give survivors the best possible chance of rebuilding their lives.”

The scheme is backed by a £1 million National Lottery grant and involves several organisations, including Unseen UK, Medaille Trust, Bawso, SOHTIS, Hope for Justice, and the Snowdrop Project.

Since the pilot began six months ago, advocates have already supported 121 survivors, helping to secure housing, legal recognition, and access to vital services.

Key outcomes so far include:

Ten survivors provided with safe and secure housing
Seventeen Home Office decisions successfully challenged, granting victims access to support
Humanitarian protection secured for a young adult survivor

Advocates have also helped individuals access healthcare, mental health support, education, employment, and secure immigration status.

One survivor described the support as “life changing” after escaping a trafficker. In a letter to her advocate, she said: “You have fought our corner tirelessly when I did not have the strength. You stood beside us every step of the way.

“You helped me rebuild trust, believe in myself, and slowly find my voice again.”

The IMSA role aligns with international guidance on independent advocacy and has been shaped by experts and those with lived experience.

Louise Mensah, Head of Frontline at Unseen, said: “This pilot is a step towards a world without slavery. We are proud to be part of something that will improve outcomes and change futures.”

Ben Ryan, Deputy CEO at Medaille Trust, added: “We know the value of long-term support in recovery. This partnership allows us to embed best practice and develop new approaches.”

Organisations wishing to join the final phase of the pilot have until May 2026 to apply.

Further information is available at www.hopeforjustice.org/imsa/

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

21 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.