Teenage boy denies stabbing teacher at Tewkesbury school

A teenager has denied stabbing a teacher at a school in Gloucestershire.

The 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court where he pleaded not guilty to maliciously wounding with intent to cause GBH.

However he pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article on school premises.

The youth spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address and enter his pleas.

His parents were sat in the back of the court for the hearing.

Sadie Waits, prosecuting, asked for the case to be sent to the crown court due to the seriousness of the allegations.

"This is quite likely to be quite a complex matter," she said.

"The situation is a little unusual in the way the offence has been carried out."

District Judge Nicholas Wattam rejected the application and said the case would remain in the youth court at this stage.

A further hearing would take place on 21 July where a trial date was likely to be fixed.

The teenager was remanded into custody at secure accommodation.

Maths teacher Jamie Sansom suffered a single stab wound in the incident in a corridor at Tewkesbury School on Monday morning.

He was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and later discharged. He was said to be "recovering well".

The academy was locked down and two neighbouring schools were also asked to shut their doors as a "precaution" following the incident, Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone of Gloucestershire Police said.