In a shocking incident that has left a community reeling, 17-year-old Louis Melotte was sentenced to a decade-long extended sentence after a brutal attack at Birley Academy in Sheffield. The attack, which took place earlier this year, saw Melotte armed with broken glass as he targeted a 12-year-old student, a school receptionist, and a youth mentor. Melotte, a former pupil of the school, was sentenced on Friday at Sheffield Crown Court, where the Recorder of Sheffield, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, described the assault as “revengeful” and “determined.”
The court was presented with harrowing evidence, including statements from the victims, which highlighted the traumatic impact of the attack. Judge Richardson expressed deep concern over Melotte’s far-right expressions and branded the assault as an act of vengeance.
Before the attack, Melotte had made ominous posts on Reddit, warning staff members to avoid coming to school that day. He specifically targeted two staff members, posting, “Mrs [staff member’s name] if you still work there, don’t come in today” and “[Another staff member’s name] I haven’t f****** forgotten you either. Absolute traitor.” Additionally, he warned another ex-pupil via Snapchat to stay away from the school, declaring he was “going to do what needed to be done” and that the school was “done for.”
South Yorkshire Police have now released disturbing footage of the attack. The video shows Melotte walking purposefully through the school grounds and into the reception area, where he grabbed the 12-year-old girl and attempted to stab her. The brave young girl fought back, and receptionist Alicia Richards quickly assisted her.
Watch the CCTV footage here.
In a poignant statement, Ms Richards recounted the terror of that day, saying, “In truth, I don’t really think I have come to terms with what happened on the day of this incident… When I was being attacked, I thought I was going to die.” She described the emotional toll of returning to work at the crime scene, adding, “There are so many things that trigger me… Even seeing other pupils and staff members that were present.”
Youth mentor Molly Bulmer also confronted Melotte during the attack. Facing him in court, she shared how the incident had deeply affected her: “I wish to say this has really affected me. Since it occurred, I have avoided returning to the school… I recently returned to working there and it has been very hard on me.” Ms Bulmer revealed she now suffers from nightmares about the attack and struggles with her role in helping students, acknowledging the irony of the situation: “It is clear to me the attacker struggled, and the irony is my role is to help those that struggle…” Despite the physical and emotional scars, she expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal.
Detective Constable, Thomas Ryan of South Yorkshire Police’s Major Crime Unit, praised the bravery of Ms Bulmer and Ms Richards, stating, “This was a devastating attack in a school setting, and the footage that has emerged shows the terrifying and frantic nature of Melotte’s behaviour on that day.” He commended their actions, noting that they “instinctively went towards danger and grappled with Melotte to prevent him from inflicting any further harm.” The police intend to nominate both women for bravery awards.
Melotte was swiftly apprehended by officers just minutes after the attack began, thanks to a prompt call to action. Detective Constable Ryan also thanked the investigative team and Birley Academy for their cooperation throughout the case, expressing hope that the custodial sentence would bring closure to those affected by the traumatic event.
He has recently received a prison sentence.
Have a story to share? Contact us.
