A YOUNGSTER is facing trial on allegations of trying to kill a member of staff at his school using a kitchen knife he had taken into the building.

The accused, whose identity is protected because he is under 18, is said to have attacked Vicki Williams at Milford Haven Comprehensive School on Thursday, February 5.

Ms Williams sustained a stab injury to her head, injuries to her hands consistent with defensive action, and scratches on her back.

The youth faced charges of attempted murder, together with alternative counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and unlawful wounding.

He rejected every charge brought against him.

The 16-year-old did admit to having a pointed instrument on the school grounds.

Presenting the prosecution’s opening, Christopher Rees KC told the court that Ms Williams was with a coworker but entered an adjacent classroom at approximately 3:10pm to collect some A3 paper.

The accused was captured on CCTV entering the room at 3:15pm while carrying a bag, Mr Rees stated.

The jury heard that the accused asked Ms Williams to review his work, which she considered unusual as he was not typically a student who sought help.

It was claimed the accused then shut the classroom door, explaining he felt cold.

Mr Rees explained that the accused began indicating items on the page and asking questions, all while searching through his bag.

According to Mr Rees, the accused suddenly produced a knife from his bag and launched himself at her.

The accused was said to have struck Ms Williams on the head and then attempted to attack her once more.

According to Mr Rees, when she spotted the blade, Ms Williams thought she was going to die.

Mr Rees stated that the teacher described the accused as having an expression of complete hatred and that she had never encountered such eyes.

The jury was told Ms Williams protected herself by seizing the blade. The accused supposedly forced her backwards on to a seat, and she used her legs to keep him at bay.

Mr Rees said Ms Williams shoved the accused and managed to take the knife from him. He ran from the room leaving her gripping the kitchen knife by its edge.

Ms Williams reported that she was shouting loudly throughout the attack to attract the attention of her coworker in the neighbouring room.

Her colleague reported hearing a distressing scream before observing Ms Williams holding a knife with a blade measuring eight to ten inches outside the classroom, repeatedly stating she had been stabbed.

The school was sealed off, and officers attended and collected the knife. A search of the accused’s residence uncovered a knife block that appeared to be missing one knife.

Prosecutors said the accused’s fingerprint was discovered on the knife handle, while Ms Williams’ DNA was found on the blade.

The youth was taken into custody at a family member’s house and refused to answer any questions during questioning.

Ms Williams received hospital treatment before being allowed to leave the same day.

The accused, represented by Matthew Roberts KC, disputed that he had attempted to kill or harm Ms Williams, instead asserting that any injuries occurred unintentionally when he declined to surrender the knife.

The case continues.