A TEENAGE girl who attempted to murder two teachers and a pupil during a stabbing spree at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Ammanford is being sentenced today (April 28) at Swansea Crown Court.
The 14-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, took her father’s multi-tool to school and launched a frenzied attack during morning break on 24 April 2024.
Deputy head teacher Fiona Elias, teacher Liz Hopkin, and a female pupil were all seriously injured in the attack.
The defendant admitted possession of a bladed article and three counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent but denied attempted murder. A jury found her guilty on all counts earlier this year.
During the trial, the court heard how the girl approached Mrs Elias in the school yard, said “I’m going to f****** kill you,” and stabbed her in the arms. When Mrs Hopkin intervened, the teenager turned on her, stabbing her in the neck, back, legs, and arms. She then attacked a female pupil before being restrained by staff.
Terrified children witnessed the incident, and some later gave evidence. CCTV footage from the school captured the shocking events.
The teenager told the jury she had been bullied at school and said she often felt “anxious and scared”. She claimed she had no intention of hurting anyone, but the jury rejected her account.
Judge Paul Thomas KC told the court today that if the defendant had been an adult, she would have faced a sentence of between 20 and 30 years, with a starting point of 25 years. However, as the defendant is a child, different sentencing guidelines must be applied.
The court heard that the girl poses a “medium to high risk” to others and that she had been involved in a “very disturbing incident” while in accommodation awaiting sentence.
The judge said the future for the defendant was “uncertain” and noted that she presented a risk both in her current setting and potentially even more so outside of it.
Defence barrister Caroline Rees KC asked the court to consider the girl’s young age and “low” level of maturity, saying she still had “a great deal of growing up” to do before adulthood.
Judge Thomas confirmed that reporting restrictions preventing the identification of the teenager would remain in place.
Sentencing is ongoing.
