A teenager has been found guilty of three counts of attempted murder for assaulting two fellow boarding school pupils with hammers as they slept and attacking a housemaster who intervened.
The defendant, who was 16 at the time of the incident at Blundell’s School in Devon, admitted to carrying out the assaults but claimed he was sleepwalking and therefore not criminally responsible.
After 40 hours of deliberation, the jury convicted the defendant. Sentencing was adjourned by Mrs. Justice Cutts for the preparation of pre-sentence reports, including a psychiatric evaluation, with a sentencing date set for October 18.
During the trial at Exeter Crown Court, it emerged that the attacker had researched methods of murder and had been watching horror shows and listening to music before the assaults. The prosecution described the attacks as being carried out in a "killing rage".
Details also emerged about the school's environment, including allegations of bullying and the presence of potential weapons among students. The defendant had searched for information about child serial killers in the months leading up to the attack.
The evening of the assault began peacefully but escalated when the defendant attacked his victims and the housemaster who intervened. The aftermath was described as "a bloodbath" by witnesses.
The defendant's barrister described him as a "sleep-deprived super-stressed wreck" who was under pressure due to exams and alleged internet blackmail.
The defendant claimed he had the hammers for protection from a perceived zombie apocalypse, stating he believed it to be a real threat.
Blundell’s School's head expressed hope for closure and pride in the community's response to the shocking incident. The victims, who suffered skull fractures, are on the path to recovery.
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