Injured teenagers give video evidence at Blundell’s attempted murder trial
A number of reporting restrictions are in force during the trial of a now 17-year-old
The trial of a teenager - who denies three counts of attempted murder at Blundell's School in Tiverton last June - has been hearing from two of the people who were injured.
The defendant and identities of the two injured teenagers is protected by court reporting restrictions. A member of staff was also injured on June 9, 2023.
Video evidence was today played to the jury where one of the teenagers said he was 'almost a bit scared' of the defendant at times, saying he feared if he was 'critical' of him he might 'fly off the handle'.
The person added: "I didn't know why he chose to be unkind, why not choose to be nice. It was a shame he seemed to turn against me."
They reflected on 'unkind messages' at times, adding: "But sometimes he would be a normal person and nice, but sadly they were rare moments."
The jury were told the defendant had mentioned 'the apocalypse' on occasions and 'unkind language' was used by the defendant 'most days' to the person giving video evidence.
Another one of the injured teenagers told the court - via video interviews - the defendant was 'a bit weird' at times.
The teenager was asked if anything in the days leading up to the incident caused him concern, to which they replied: "I don't think so."
The video interview included questions about a so-called 'weapons drawer', which could be locked by the defendant and include hammers and a staple gun. There was a discussion about the ‘threatening’ of someone at the school by appearing to run at someone in a threatening manner.
The online history of the defendant was explored in a previous hearing.
The trial continues.