Husband of teacher stabbed at school in West Wales calls for action on pupil behaviour
The husband of a teacher who was stabbed by a pupil at a school in West Wales has called for urgent action to tackle behaviour.
This article contains descriptions some readers may find distressing.
Liz Hopkin was stabbed by a teenage girl at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, Carmarthenshire, last April. Fellow teacher Fiona Elias and a pupil were also stabbed in the incident.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was detained for 15 years last month after she was convicted of three counts of attempted murder.
Mrs Hopkin attempted to restrain the pupil after her colleague was stabbed in an outdoor area of the school during the mid-morning break on 24 April 2024.
Recalling the day he saw his wife Liz "in a pool of blood", John Hopkin described the scene as "hectic".
"Then she just assumed she was dying, so she was just apologising for going," Mr Hopkin told Sky News.
"And that's when, not so much panic hit, but I didn't really know what was going on after that."
The impact of the events of that day continue to have a profound effect on Mrs Hopkin and her family.
"It's completely changed our whole life and family life," Mr Hopkin said.
"Physically, [Liz is] recovering but...it's just knocked her right back and I think it's not going to be a quick process to get over that."
'Watershed moment'
Mr Hopkin is calling for an independent inquiry into what happened at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman.
"I'm not bothered about accountability or blame, and Liz is neither," he added.
"But what we do want is to see if there was anything that was done wrong to stop it happening again.
"It won't happen in Dyffryn Aman, touch wood, but somewhere in Wales and somewhere in England, it will happen again."
Carmarthenshire County Council told Sky News an "independently led review" is now under way following the conclusion of the trial.
The council's cabinet member for education and the Welsh language, Glynog Davies, said the review would "ensure any good practice is highlighted and shared and that any lessons learnt are identified".
Cllr Davies said the local authority had supported the victims as well as "the wider school community", with that support continuing "in individual and bespoke ways".
A Welsh government summit is taking place on Thursday, which will focus on behaviour in schools.
Mr Hopkin hopes the incident at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman will be "a watershed moment" and believes the Welsh government can take urgent steps to tackle pupil behaviour.
Having worked in nine secondary schools all over Wales, Mr Hopkin says greater communication with teachers is needed and that a consistent approach is key.
"Every single school deals with behaviour differently," Mr Hopkin said.
"We've got a government that doesn't want to lead on this and is stopping schools from treating behaviour consistently.
"It's a big issue and I don't think that the summit on its own is going to come up with the answers."
He also called for a Wales-wide ban on smartphones in schools to improve behaviour.
In March, a Senedd committee rejected a petition calling for a ban and instead recommended clearer guidance for schools.
Plans to prohibit the use of mobile phones in England's schools were dropped last year.
"Banning mobile phones in schools would make a massive difference," Mr Hopkin added.
"And you can see schools that have banned them have found a really positive improvement in behaviour."
Mr Hopkin also said that the problems facing schools in Wales were no "different" to other areas of the UK.
"I think the Welsh government are reluctant to agree that the problems that are facing Wales are the same as the problems that face anywhere in England, whether it's in a city or in the countryside," he said.
"The problems are everywhere, we're not protected by a big bubble."
'Sustained investment'
Teaching unions have welcomed the summit but are calling for increased investment to tackle challenging behaviour.
Nicola Fitzpatrick, interim Wales secretary for the National Education Union (NEU), told Sky News that its members wanted to see "action" from the government.
"Unless increased and sustained investment is secured, then we just hinder the ability of all stakeholders to urgently address the issues in a way that meet the needs of learners, but crucially that keeps all staff and students safe," she said.
"So we'd like to see some strong, clear, collaborative guidance that's consistent across all local authorities in Wales - that there aren't 22 different ways to do it - and that good practice and collaborative practice is shared."
The Welsh government told Sky News that schools in Wales are "dealing with a whole range of wider societal issues on a daily basis and there is no one solution".
"The summit is part of a longer program of work which includes our recent roundtable on violence and safety in schools and colleges and the commitment to provide clear guidance on the use of mobile phones," it said in a statement.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
11 minutes ago
- The Sun
I got a fence to block out my neighbour's garden – there's so much mess the fence FELL & then they angered me even more
A WOMAN has declared a ''neighbour war'' after her neighbour's garden was so full of rubbish it caused her fence to collapse. Furious social media user @ hughesrachy took to TikTok to rant after the mess in the neighbour 's garden caused her wooden fence to crumble - and eventually fall down. According to the woman, the person living next door had accumulated a pile of items which the man stored outside. A recent video posted online also revealed ''the state'' of the garden, jampacked with full bin bags, plastic storage boxes, wires and even what appeared to be an old washing machine. There also seemed to be old tech, a canopy with no cover on top, a string of garden lights, a swing frame with no swings and more. The TikToker claimed that they ''had a fence in front of this'' - but that the neighbours ''had put all kinds of stuff inbetween the two fences''. This, she claimed in the video, caused her fence to fall down and the TikToker was left with a ''crumbled fence behind''. After approaching the neighbours and asking to go halves to cover the cost of a new fence, the woman said they ''refused'' to chip in. Eventually, the neighbour 's fence collapsed entirely and fell down into her garden, revealing a huge mess on the other side. The woman went on: ''So had it removed was it wasn't safe.'' Unfortunately for the TikTok user, it didn't end there. Not only is she now left with no fence and privacy whatsoever, she claimed the neighbour ''won't pay and is waiting for her ''to pay to get a new one''. I hate my new build garden being overlooked so found a 5 METRE privacy fence to block out nosy neighbours for under £30 ''How is this ok?'' she was outraged, declaring the start of '' neighbour wars '' in the caption. Since being posted online, the clip has taken the internet by storm, amassing close to 460k views in just 16 hours. It also has over 2,200 likes and 345 shares - however, the TikToker has turned commenting off. How to create privacy in your garden CREATING privacy in your garden can be achieved in a number of ways depending on your budget, and the size of your space. Here are some effective ways to enhance privacy in your garden: 1. Fencing Install a tall, solid wooden or vinyl fence. This is one of the most straightforward ways to gain immediate privacy. Or use lattice panels, trellis, or slatted fencing to add a decorative touch while still offering privacy. 2. Hedges and Plants Fast-growing evergreen shrubs or trees like Leylandii, Thuja, or Bamboo along the boundary of your garden can help with privacy. Grow a dense hedge using plants like Boxwood, Privet, or Laurel. It may take time to grow, but it provides a natural and green privacy screen. Use climbers like Ivy, Clematis, or Wisteria on fences or trellises to create a lush, green privacy barrier. 3. Outdoor Curtains Hang outdoor curtains around pergolas, gazebos, or patios for an easy-to-adjust privacy solution. 4. Sound Barriers A water fountain or small waterfall can help drown out noise, adding to the sense of privacy. Or install fencing designed to reduce noise if privacy from sound is also a concern. £20,000 garden fence fine UK boundary rules mean your humble garden fence could turn into a legal nightmare if you get it wrong. Whether you're upgrading panels or building from scratch, the regulations are clear and local councils aren't afraid to crack down. New rules which came in last week under the The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 outline what homeowners can build without needing full planning permission. Gurpreet Chhokar, Which? Legal Expert, said: "If you're thinking of putting up a new garden fence this summer, there are a few important things to bear in mind to make sure you don't break any laws and find yourself landed with a fine." Back garden fence For a back garden fence, you're allowed a fence up to two metres high (that's about six foot six) without needing planning permission. Gurpreet said: " if you don't have planning permission then your fence can't be any higher than two metres from the ground." Go any higher, even with a decorative trellis, and you'll need to get approval first. Skip this step and you could be forced to tear it down, or even worse – face enforcement action. Front fence At the front of your property, things get stricter. Fences can't go above one metre if you live next to a footpath, road or public space. That's just over three feet tall. It's designed to help visibility for drivers and pedestrians but plenty of homeowners are caught out. Breaching planning rules can lead to an enforcement notice and, in some cases, fines. If your fence causes a statutory nuisance, such as flooding or blocked drains, you could face penalties of up to £5,000 or £20,000 for a business under environmental regulations. Ignore it, and things can escalate to court. Neighbour disputes are the most common property complaint in the UK and they often boil down to where the boundary actually is. Before building, measure up carefully and chat things through with your neighbour. Snapping a few photos and getting a handshake agreement could save you a legal headache down the line.
Daily Mail
11 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
'Look at what they've done': Bollywood star's anguish after brazen thieves smash into her Jaguar to steal her Louis Vuitton bags in lawless London
A famous Bollywood star has told of her anguish after falling victim to London's theft crimewave when brazen crooks smashed into her Jaguar to steal two designer bags. Heartbroken Sunanda Sharma, 33, said she has lost 'everything' after thieves broke into her 2016 Jaguar F-Pace to steal her swanky pair of Louis Vuitton bags. Despairing model Sharma, who has starred in a number of hit films and is also a well-known singer, had left her motor in a car park in the capital when it was ransacked. The actress, who has struggled to sleep since the incident, broke the news of the raid in a video to her nine million-strong army of fans on Instagram 'I'm in here in London and this is the car's situation now,' says Sharma, as she inspects the battered remains of the black Jag. Appearing to put on a brave face, the star walks around the battered motor - which had its back window and rear passenger window smashed out. 'They've broken the glass and everything else,' she continues in Hindi. 'The expensive LV bags I've worked so hard to afford are gone. 'What a tragedy. Those were my favourite bags. Both of them. Look what they've done.' Holding her head in her hand, she then continues in English, saying: 'Everything is gone.' In a caption on the video, the Bollywood star added she had been left traumatised by the break-in. 'The moment I saw a bit of money, it left me I have no words for you, people of the UK. I couldn't sleep all night,' she wrote. The celebrity has since received an outpouring of sympathy from her loyal followers, with one saying: 'Love how you have managed to keep the smile on your face despite of that pain within.' Another supporter adds: 'If vibes were a storm, you'd be the thunder and lightning, illuminating everything around you! Your presence is truly electrifying!' While a third bluntly said: 'Welcome to London.' The theft come amid an on-going crimespree blighting the city, which has seen fearless thieves raiding cars in some of London's most exclusive streets. In March, a masked cyclist broke into the boot of a Tesla parked in Knightsbridge and stole a Stone Island jacket worth more than £1,000 - which had only just been purchased from the Harrods department store. In another broad daylight raid, a hooded figure was filmed snatching bags of designer goods after breaking into a Mercedes-Benz parked near Harrods. Hans Place, where the theft took place, boasts of deluxe apartments that can go for as much as £10.5million. Shocked onlookers watched in disbelief as the shameless crook swaggered away with his haul of stolen luxury goods, while a woman runs out of her house shouting 'oi!' as flees the scene. In another instance of theft, two masked cyclists smashed into the back of a car and stole a high-end designer jacket from the boot. Prepared with torches and face masks, the thieves smash into the motor and snatch a £1,500 jacket - even though a couple walking their dog stop just feet away. The Metropolitan Police said it understood 'the impact motor vehicle crime has on victims'. 'Incidents reported to police are assessed to ensure lines of enquiry, including forensic opportunities and footage, are progressed to hold offenders to account', they added. In February alone, 2,097 thefts were recorded in London's West End, which includes some of the capital's most exclusive areas including, Mayfair, Fitzrovia, Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street. It comes as Jenson Button's wife revealed she now felt 'unsafe' walking the capital's streets after her suitcase rammed with £250,000 of lavish jewellery and designer handbags was stolen outside of St Pancras station. The 34-year-old explained how the ex-Formula One driver was helping the chauffeur load the car when a man swooped in and sped away with her Goyard carry-on suitcase in mere seconds. The former Playboy model told MailOnline neither she nor her husband had any interest in returning to the UK after their ordeal, adding: 'It just feels so unsafe... and its just unfortunate because that's where my children's grandmother and aunts live.' In March, TV personality Jamie Laing revealed he had been robbed once again, just a week after his Notting Hill home was targeted by balaclava-wearing intruders. Shortly after the terrifying ordeal, where he and his wife Sophie Habboo, 30, were woken up to 6am by louds bangs, he discovered his car had been broken into. Speaking on his Radio 1 show, Jamie said: 'So, I live in London, I was with my wife Sophie and we went to get in our car. 'It's parked around the place we live, and it's London right, things maybe go missing occasionally or whatever. 'I walked up to the car, and the car looked a little bit funny, the door was slightly open, and I was like, 'hang on a second, has someone managed to get into the car?' 'Came up to the car and we had been robbed. They left the pineapple in one seat and the melon in another seat. I said to my wife, 'did you leave these in the car?' and she was like, 'no?', so I don't know if it's a sign or the mark they leave.' MailOnline has approached the Met Police for comment about the alleged theft of Ms Sharma's designer bags.
BBC News
14 minutes ago
- BBC News
Cleveland Police's deputy chief constable to take top job
A deputy chief constable is to step up into her force's top job, it has been Fuller has been named as the preferred candidate to replace Cleveland Police Chief Constable Mark Webster when he retires next Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Matt Storey said the selection followed a rigorous recruitment and assessment process ahead of a confirmation hearing to be held on 20 Webster became the force's seventh top officer in less than a decade when he was appointed in February 2022 and helped lift it out of special measures. The organisation covers areas including Hartlepool, Redcar, Stockton and Fuller began her policing career in the neighbouring Durham force in 1999 where she became its first female senior investigating was appointed Cleveland's assistant chief constable in 2022 and then deputy chief constable the following said she "demonstrates a clear passion for making the Cleveland area safer and her current leadership role has given her an excellent understanding of the challenges the area faces". He praised Mr Webster, who he described as having led with "dedication, professionalism and focus", turning the force into "one of the most improved in the country".His retirement comes after 34 years in was tasked with turning around Cleveland's fortunes, with HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services warning it had been "putting the public at risk".In September 2023, the watchdog said Cleveland had made "significant improvements in its approach to preventing crime and antisocial behaviour", meaning oversight arrangements could be brought to a in February this year the PCC said he would conduct a "deep dive" after inspectors found serious failings in the force's child safeguarding efforts. Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
