Blundell's housemaster describes being struck six times
The jury has been told the defendant, who denies three attempted murder charges, was sleepwalking at the time
Last updated 25th Apr 2024
A staff member - who was injured at Blundell's School in Tiverton - has told a jury about how he was repeatedly struck with a hammer and how a hammer had been removed from the defendant just weeks before.
A now 17 year old is on trial at Exeter Crown Court, where he denies three counts of attempted murder on June 9, 2023.
Reporting restrictions remain in force for the defendant and two injured teenagers but not for Housemaster Henry Roffe-Silvester, who heard noises at about 12.48am and came to investigate.
He told the jury the defendant 'turned towards me and struck me on the head with a hammer, with his right hand'.
Mr Roffe-Silvester said he was struck six times in total and eventually manged to remove the hammer from the defendant - after trying to say 'it was me' as he worried the person with the hammer 'thought it was some sort of intruder'.
Mr Roffe-Silvester was reminded about a police statement he'd previously given which said the defendant was 'looking at me, but not in the eye - it felt like he was looking at me but didn't feel he was'.
They added: "That's why I didn't think he had recognised me. It's kind of weird and hard to describe
The jury heard other youngsters were alerted, because of the noise, and after the hammer was removed the defendant's demeanor changed from 'rage' to 'being calm and as I would normally see'.
Other pupils went to get a basic first aid kit and Mr Roffe-Silvester said he recalled the defendant saying to another pupil: "I was dreaming."
The prosecution asked Mr Roffe-Silvester what happened when he then entered the location where he had first encountered the defendant - describing a secne of 'blood everywhere' and finding other hammers.
He was later taken to hospital.
The jury were also told a cleaner had found a hammer in the defendant's possession earlier in the Spring Term, which he'd later explained 'was on a special offer so he bought it'.
The hammer was removed, and then returned at half term to be taken away from site. The court was told another pupil also had a hammer removed - and returned to be taken away at half term - which had been bought to make 'jumps' in nearby woods.
The jury were also told about a report of bullying which had been investigated and resolved in the months proceeding the incident.
On the night of June 8, there was the usual supper from 6-7pm and then after a roll call and 'prep' or homework time there was a 'family night' activity where students joined a group activity which that night was a game of 'capture the flag' outside.
As usual, mobile phones were handed in, there was a staggered bed time between year groups and wifi turned off.
The trial continues.