STEPHEN WILKINSON FROM MIDDLESBROUGH SENT TO MENTAL HOSPITAL AFTER SCHOOLGIRL'S TRAGIC DEATH IN LEEDS
In a tragic and highly publicized case that unfolded in Leeds, the court has ordered Stephen Wilkinson, a 31-year-old man from Middlesbrough, to be detained indefinitely in a hospital for the criminally insane following the devastating death of 12-year-old Nikki Conroy.The incident, which shocked the local community and garnered widespread media attention, took place on March 28 of the previous year at Hall Garth Comprehensive School in Middlesbrough.
Wilkinson was accused of a brutal attack during a mathematics lesson, where he burst into the classroom wielding a revolver, which was later revealed to be a harmless replica.
Accompanying the firearm, Wilkinson was also armed with three knives and an axe, turning the incident into a terrifying ordeal for students and staff alike.
The attacker forced the teacher, Graham Nellist, to leave the classroom, creating chaos and panic among the pupils.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Wilkinson was overpowered by two teachers, deputy head Chris Bielby and another staff member, Dave Eland, who stormed into the classroom to intervene.
Their quick action prevented what could have been a far greater tragedy, as more children might have been harmed or killed if Wilkinson had continued his assault.
The court was told that Wilkinson was armed with multiple weapons, including a small axe and a second knife, which were found in a holdall he carried.
Tragically, Nikki Conroy succumbed to multiple stab wounds inflicted during the attack.
Witnesses testified that Wilkinson, before stabbing Nikki, had said, “You are going to pay for what you have done to me,” indicating a possible motive rooted in personal grievance or mental instability.
Emma Winter, 12, who was also attacked, described feeling punches and being stabbed without warning.
Michelle Reeve, 13, was another victim of Wilkinson’s violence, having been knifed during the assault.
The court heard from Emma that she heard Wilkinson say, “You are going to pay for what you have done to me,” just before the stabbing.
She recounted closing her eyes, feeling what she believed were punches, only to realize she was being stabbed.
The incident was further escalated when Mr.
Nellist, after being forced out of the classroom, shouted to alert others: “There’s a nutter upstairs with a gun and he’s got the kids.” In response, teachers Mr.
Eland and Mr.
Bielby entered the classroom and managed to disarm Wilkinson, who was holding a replica gun.
Wilkinson was also muttering, “Give me the knife and let me finish it,” as he was restrained, leading the teachers to believe he might have been contemplating suicide.
The court was told that Wilkinson’s holdall contained additional weapons, including another knife and a small axe.
Throughout the trial, Wilkinson denied murdering Nikki but admitted to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
He also pleaded guilty to attempted murders of Michelle Reeve and Emma Winter.
The judge, Mrs.
Justice Smith, ordered that Wilkinson be sent to Ashworth Hospital in Merseyside, where he will remain indefinitely, citing the severity of his mental illness.
Four forensic psychiatrists testified that Wilkinson was suffering from a severe mental disorder at the time of the attack.
Two described his condition as paranoid schizophrenia, while the other two identified it as paranoid psychosis.
All agreed that his mental health issues had been ongoing since his late teens and had significantly impacted his behavior.
The judge emphasized that Wilkinson’s mental illness was so severe that it warranted his detention in a psychiatric hospital rather than a prison.
She expressed her appreciation for the actions of Mr.
Bielby and Mr.
Eland, who were commended for their bravery in intervening during the attack.
Addressing the victim’s parents, Peter and Diane Conroy, who were present in the courtroom, the judge acknowledged the difficulty of accepting the verdict.
She stated, “You may find this hard to accept and you do have my sympathy in that regard.
There is not a person in this court who does not sympathize with your point of view, but I do hope you will accept this decision has not been taken lightly but with great care by the doctors, by counsel and by me.”
