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.

Hear all the latest news from across Tayside, Perthshire and Angus on Tay FM. Listen on FM, via our Rayo app, DAB, or smart speaker.