School stabbing trial collapses after issue with jury

Judge Paul Thomas KC said: "There has been a great irregularity"

Swansea Crown Court
Author: Tom PreecePublished 9th Oct 2024

The jury in the trial of a young girl accused of stabbing two teachers and a fellow pupil at a school in South Wales has been discharged.

The 14-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admits wounding with intent but denies attempted murder after stabbing three people at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman - also known as Amman Valley School - in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, on April 24.

During the trial at Swansea Crown Court on Wednesday, Judge Paul Thomas KC discharged the jury.

He said: "There has been a great irregularity in the jury which we all agree has irretrievably compromised our ability to consider this matter.

"With the greatest of possible reluctance, I will have to discharge this jury."

The judge said the move was undesirable and the girl will have to stand trial again in the new year.

A new trial has been set for January 27.

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