Guilty verdict for Sheffield teenager who attacked school staff
The incident happened back in May this year
Last updated 7th Aug 2024
A teenager who injured two people and sparked panic during an incident at a school in Sheffield has been found guilty of three counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.
Louis Melotte, 17, of Jaunty Avenue, Sheffield, has been on trial at Sheffield Crown Court this week following an incident at Birley Academy on 1 May earlier this year.
Melotte is being named for the first time today after the judge lifted an order preserving his anonymity.
The teenager wrote a series of chilling messages on social media and warned people "today is the day" before walking into the school on Birley Lane and attacking members of staff with shards of broken glass.
He was promptly arrested by our officers, brought into custody and later charged with multiple offences.
Melotte admitted possessing a sharply pointed article and two counts of wounding without intent but pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempting cause grievous bodily harm.
This led to a trial which began on Monday (5 August), with the jury returning a guilty verdict on all three counts earlier today (7 August).
Detective Constable Thomas Ryan, from our Major Crime Unit, said: “This was a terrifying ordeal that left two members of staff injured and caused panic and alarm among young pupils in the school.
"Thankfully, their injuries were only minor, and Melotte should feel fortunate that no one was gravely or seriously injured as a result of his violent actions.
"I want to commend staff at Birley Academy for their bravery in apprehending the suspect, with officers arriving minutes after the initial call was received.
"Their courage undoubtedly reduced the level of injuries sustained and the number of victims, and the school has continued to cooperate with us over the course of this investigation.
"Following these guilty verdicts, I hope the two people injured in this attack can feel that justice has been served once sentencing has taken place in just over two weeks' time."
Melotte has been remanded in custody ahead of a sentencing hearing at Sheffield Crown Court on 23 August.