A Pembrokeshire teacher's life hung precariously in the balance when she was allegedly stabbed by a 16-year-old pupil with a large kitchen knife. Vicki Williams recounted her harrowing ordeal at Swansea Crown Court, where she told the jury that the teenager's actions were completely unprovoked.
Ms Williams described how she had taught the boy earlier that day and found him to be "absolutely fine", with no apparent issues or signs of aggression. The court heard that their relationship was considered good, with Ms Williams being unaware of any potential problems or concerns about the pupil's behaviour.
Detailing the events leading up to the alleged assault, Ms Williams explained how the defendant had repeatedly asked "is that right?" while pointing at his book, but was simultaneously "ruffling in his bag" and not making eye contact. She described this as a tactic to keep her talking and to manoeuvre behind her.
Ms Williams then stated that the teenager pulled "something out of the bag" and knocked her into a chair, before she saw the knife pointing downwards. She recalled grabbing the knife as he made a stabbing motion, noting a look of "pure hatred" in his eyes. Despite being confronted with these events, Defence barrister Matthew Roberts KC questioned Ms Williams on whether she had asked the boy to remove the weapon from his bag, suggesting there may have been a "scuffle". However, Ms Williams firmly denied this, stating: "that is absolutely not what happened."
The jury was previously shown CCTV footage depicting the boy running out of the classroom approximately two minutes after the incident, with Ms Williams following, holding the knife. Emergency services were called, and the school was placed on temporary lockdown and closed the following day. Ms Williams sustained several injuries, including a 7cm wound to her lower back, and was treated at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest. The teenager was later arrested at his grandmother's house. He denies attempted murder, wounding with intent, and unlawful wounding, but has admitted to possessing a knife.