Devon schoolboy sentenced for hammer attack on classmates in October 2024
- A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named, was sentenced for life with a minimum term of 12 years after a brutal attack on his dormmates and a teacher.
- The teenager alleged he was sleepwalking during the attacks, but the prosecution argued that the assault was premeditated and intended to kill.
- The incident has left the victims with serious injuries and long-term consequences, highlighting the severity and brutality of the assault.
In June 2023, a serious incident took place at Blundell's School in Tiverton, Devon, where a 17-year-old student launched a savage assault on his fellow dormmates and a teacher. Armed with three claw hammers, he attacked the two boys while they were sound asleep. The victims suffered multiple severe injuries, including skull fractures and internal bleeding, leading to urgent medical intervention and hospitalization. During the subsequent trial, the defense argued that the boy was sleepwalking at the time of the attacks, suggesting he was unaware of his actions. However, the prosecution countered this claim with evidence that indicated the attack was planned and executed with intent to kill. Testimonies suggested that the defendant appeared calm after the assault, further complicating his defense plea of insanity. In the aftermath, both victims are reported to be living with the long-term consequences of their injuries, unable to recall the events due to the timing of the attack. The case sparked discussions about the nature of sleepwalking and violent behavior, as well as the mental state of individuals committing such acts. Ultimately, the court decided against the sleepwalking defense, sentencing the defendant to life imprisonment with a minimum of 12 years. The incident remains a devastating reminder of the potential for violence in seemingly safe environments, prompting reflection on necessary safety measures in schools.