Trial of girl accused of trying to murder teachers collapses over 'great irregularity in jury'

The trial of a girl charged with the attempted murder of two teachers and a pupil at a school in Wales has been halted unexpectedly while the jury was deliberating. The jurors have been dismissed, and a retrial is now scheduled.

The accused, whose identity is protected due to her age, faced charges for an attack involving multiple stabbings at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Ammanford this April. She pleaded not guilty to attempting to murder Fiona Elias, Liz Hopkin, and a fellow student but admitted to three counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and carrying a knife on school grounds.

Her case was being heard at Swansea Crown Court. After all evidence was presented and the jury had begun its discussions, Judge Paul Thomas KC announced on Wednesday morning that he had no choice but to release them "with great reluctance" because of "a great irregularity in the jury which we all agree has irretrievably compromised our ability to consider this matter."

He expressed his dissatisfaction with having to dismiss the jury, noting it was particularly unfortunate for the defendant, who now faces a new trial. The retrial is set for January 27 next year, reports Wales Online.