Thorpe St Andrew School attacker not giving evidence during trial

A teenage boy who stabbed a girl in a masked attack at a school will not give evidence during his trial, a court has heard.

Norfolk Police was called to Thorpe St Andrew School, near Norwich, on 11 March following reports a 15-year-old had been stabbed in the back.

The defendant, who is 16 and cannot be named for legal reasons, denies attempted murder, but has admitted possessing a kitchen knife without lawful authority and wounding with intent.

Stephen Rose KC, for the defence, confirmed to the jury that the boy would not be giving evidence at King’s Lynn Crown Court.

The judge, Mr Justice Lickley, said the jury “may draw such inferences as appear proper from his failure to give” evidence.

In response, Rose said: “Yes, he has been advised.”

The jury was previously told the then 15-year-old was captured on CCTV stabbing the schoolgirl, who described to police how she told a teacher: “Sir, I’ve been stabbed.”