Teacher Describes Attack in Swansea Crown Court
A teacher who sustained a stab wound to the head from a large kitchen knife, allegedly inflicted by a student, testified in court that she feared for her life during the incident. The 16-year-old boy, whose identity is protected due to his age, is facing charges of attempted murder, wounding with intent, and unlawful wounding. He has admitted to possessing a knife.
Incident Details Emerge
The court heard that Vicki Williams, the victim, was followed into a classroom at Milford Haven Comprehensive School in Pembrokeshire by the student. He reportedly asked for assistance with his history coursework before allegedly lunging at her with the knife, stabbing her in the head, and forcing her into a chair. Ms. Williams recounted her thoughts during the attack, stating, "I'm dying. I'm not going to see my daughter again."
On the second day of the trial, Ms. Williams told the jury that she had taught the boy earlier that day and found his behavior to be "absolutely fine." She stated that she had no prior issues with him and believed they had a positive relationship. She noted that it was "unusual" for him to seek her out for work clarification, describing him as a "low work ability child." However, she acknowledged he might have been motivated by recent mock exam results.
Teacher Recounts Pre-Attack Movements and Attack Itself
Ms. Williams detailed the moments leading up to the alleged assault, explaining that the defendant repeatedly asked, "is that right?" while pointing at his book, all while appearing to rummage in his bag without looking at the material. She interpreted this as a tactic to keep her engaged in conversation and to maneuver behind her. She described him pulling "something out of the bag" and knocking her back. She then saw the knife pointing downwards. "It felt very heavy, like a lot of pressure. As he's making a stabbing motion, I grab the knife," she stated. She recalled seeing "pure hatred" in his eyes, emphasizing they were "definitely not vacant."
Defense Questions, Teacher Rebuts
During cross-examination, defense barrister Matthew Roberts KC questioned whether Ms. Williams had asked the boy to remove the weapon from his bag. She firmly denied this, stating, "that is absolutely not what happened," and rejected the notion that the event was a "scuffle." She reiterated her fear, saying, "I know that I've been stabbed in the head. I'm fearful that I am dying, I've seen the knife, I know I've been stabbed, all I'm thinking at that point is 'I need help'." She described the attack as sudden and a direct assault on her, adding, "This is something I have to relive every day."
Previous testimony included CCTV footage showing the boy exiting the classroom approximately two minutes after the incident, followed by Ms. Williams holding the knife. Emergency services were called, the school was placed on lockdown, and closed the following day. Ms. Williams sustained several injuries, including a 7cm wound to her lower back, and received treatment at Withybush Hospital. The boy was apprehended at his grandmother's residence. The trial is ongoing.
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