Support our Nation today - please donate here
News

Man appears in court over school stabbing trial collapse

14 May 2025 1 minute read
Forensic investigators at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman (Amman Valley school) in Ammanford. Photo Ben Birchall/PA Wire

A man has appeared in court charged over the collapse of a school stabbing trial.

Christopher Elias, 45, from Waunceirch, Neath Port Talbot, appeared before Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday charged with the offence of refusing to answer a question relating to the qualification to serve on a jury.

Elias was charged in relation to the collapse of the first Ammanford school stabbing trial, after a young girl attempted to murder two teachers and a fellow pupil at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in April 2024.

District Judge Christopher James adjourned the case until Monday June 2, to go before Cardiff Magistrates’ Court.

Regrettable

Judge James said the delay was “regrettable” but necessary and granted Elias unconditional bail.

A 14-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced to 15 years’ detention last month for the attempted murder of Fiona Elias, Liz Hopkin and the pupil at the school following a retrial.

The first trial collapsed in October last year, with the judge saying there had been a “great irregularity in the jury”.


Support our Nation today

For the price of a cup of coffee a month you can help us create an independent, not-for-profit, national news service for the people of Wales, by the people of Wales.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Our Supporters

All information provided to Nation.Cymru will be handled sensitively and within the boundaries of the Data Protection Act 2018.