Ammanford juror denies school stabbing trial collapse charge
In April 2025, a teenage girl was sentenced to 15 years for the attempted murder of teachers Fiona Elias, Liz Hopkin and a pupil, who cannot be named because of their age.They were stabbed by the girl, who was 13 at the time, in April 2024.The first attempted murder trial collapsed in October 2024 because of what the judge described as a "great irregularity in the jury".The charge of jurors engaging in prohibited conduct is considered too serious for magistrates court to deal with and therefore has been passed to crown court.Christopher Elias was released on unconditional bail.The next hearing is due to take place at Cardiff Crown Court 28 July 2025.
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South Wales Guardian
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- South Wales Guardian
Juror charged over Ammanford school stabbing trial collapse
Christopher Elias, 45, appeared at Cardiff Magistrates Court accused of an offence under the Juries Act 1974. The charge related to the trial of a girl, now 15, who was accused of attempting to murder two teachers and a fellow pupil at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman on April 24, 2024. The initial trial collapsed in October last year due to what the judge described as a 'great irregularity in the jury'. The girl – who cannot be named due to her age – was convicted in April following a re-trial, and was sentenced to 15 years detention. Elias, of Waunceirch, was initially charged with refusing to answer a question about qualification to serve as a jury. However, this was withdrawn by the prosecution, and he was instead charged with engaging in prohibited conduct whilst being a member of a jury. It was alleged that Elias failed to properly complete a juror questionnaire and disclose that he had a personal connection with the school and persons involved in the trial. The case was sent on to Cardiff Crown Court, and Elias will appear to enter his plea on July 28. He was granted bail until that date.
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