WATCH: Teenager sentenced after attacking staff and pupils at Sheffield school

Louise Melotte, 17, turned up with a shard of broken glass hidden up his sleeve at Birley Academy in May

Author: Liam ArrowsmithPublished 23rd Aug 2024

A 17-year-old boy who attacked staff and a 12-year-old pupil at a school in Sheffield with a shard of glass he'd hidden up his sleeve has been sentenced.

Louis Melotte posted messages on social media warning "today is the day" before walking into Birley Academy and assaulting three people in May.

He has been given a 10-year extended sentence comprising five years in a young offender institution and an extended licence period of five years.

Police have released shocking CCTV footage showing the moment Melotte attecked his youngest victim, before two members of staff stepped in.

Molly Bulmer, a youth and integration coordinator, and receptionist Alicia Richards helped save the 12-year-old boy from any serious harm.

Ms Richards thought she was "going to die" at the hands of the teenager, telling Sheffield Crown Court: "In truth I do not think I have really come to terms with what happened to me on the day of this incident.

"The fact that I managed to escape without at least life changing injuries is baffling to me.

"It is clear to me, as proven by his actions, that he is a very dangerous person.

"I feel very fortunate to be alive."

Melotte, of Jaunty Avenue, Sheffield, was found guilty of three counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm following a trial at Sheffield Crown Court earlier this month.

He had already pleaded guilty to two counts of wounding with intent and possession of a sharply pointed article on a school premises.

Detective Constable Thomas Ryan, from South Yorkshire Police's Major Crime Unit, said: "This was a devastating attack in a school setting and the footage that has emerged shows the terrifying and frantic nature of Melotte's behaviour on that day.

"It is amazing that no one was seriously injured and I want to express my sincere gratitude to Ms Bulmer and Ms Richards for the bravery they showed in such a terrifying setting.

"They instinctively went towards danger and grappled with Melotte to prevent him from inflicting any further harm, and South Yorkshire Police will be nominating them for bravery awards.

"Melotte was quickly apprehended by our officers just minutes after a call to action was received and I want to thank them and the investigative team for their hard work and perseverance in securing a conviction."

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