A teenage boy will reportedly deny charges of attempted murder levelled against him following an alleged hammer attack at a prestigious private boarding school. The 16-year-old appeared in court charged with two counts of attempted murder after a violent incident at the school in Devon.
The alleged hammer attack happened in the early hours of Friday, June 9, at Blundell’s School in Tiverton. Two students were taken to hospital, with one being in critical condition and another serious but stable. A man, a member of staff at the school, also sustained injuries and was discharged from hospital on Friday.
The member of staff injured was named as Henry Roffe-Silvester, DevonLive reports. The 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named due to his age, is charged with two counts of attempted murder against the youths and one count of grievous bodily harm with intent against the adult.
He appeared in the secure dock at Exeter Magistrates’ Court sitting as a youth court on Monday flanked by two security guards. The youth spoke to confirm his name and date of birth during the hearing which lasted about half an hour.
He was represented by Ms Michaela Rose. She indicated the defendant would deny the charges. Appearing for the Crown was Ms Sonia Croft. District judge Stuart Smith presided over the hearing.
He remanded the defendant in youth detention until the next hearing which will take place at Exeter Crown Court on Tuesday, June 13. Police have previously released a statement on the incident and the boy’s arrest.
Commander superintendent Toby Davies, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: "Our thoughts remain with the injured boys and their families in what must be a harrowing time for them. My officers are continuing to support them and the wider school community.
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"We continue to fully investigate this incident and a scene guard remains in place at the school and is expected to remain there for the rest of the day.
"In the meantime, we need to remind the public of the law surrounding this matter. Any suspect under the age of 18 is, by law, not allowed to be identified.
"These rules are not solely for media organisations to adhere to; they also apply to members of the public and includes information posted via social media. This may be seen as interfering with a live investigation and an active criminal trial, and therefore could see those who do not adhere found in contempt of court.
"We therefore remind the public that it is vital that they do not speculate on the identity of either the victims or the suspect in this case."
The headteacher of Blundell's School moved to reassure parents that the alleged serious assault was an isolated incident. Bart Wielenga told parents he believed there was "no ongoing threat or concern".
