Teenager admits school stabbing

A TEENAGER has admitted stabbing another youngster in the stomach at a Suffolk school.

The 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday where he admitted a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The offence happened on May 9 last year during which another 15-year-old, promising young footballer Ben Goddard was seriously injured.

Last night, Ben's father said he was pleased the defendant had changed his plea to guilty - sparing his son the ordeal of giving evidence in court.

The prosecution did not outline the facts of the incident during yesterday's hearing and Mark Norman, representing the defendant, said that about an hour was required for another hearing after pre-sentence reports had been prepared.

The case was adjourned until February 27 when the teenager, who lives in north Suffolk, will be sentenced. He was released on conditional bail.

Last night, Terry Goddard, Ben's father, said the family was pleased the accused boy had changed his plea.

''It will avoid Ben having to give evidence in court. We were all dreading the court case because we did not want it all brought back up.

''Ben has been trying to put the incident behind him and did not want to relive it in court,'' said Mr Goddard.

Ben, now 16 and who lives at Grove End, Stradbroke, near Eye, was taken to Ipswich Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery for serious stab wounds to the stomach.

He was transferred to the intensive care unit before being allowed home. Mr Goddard added: ''He is still trying to build up his stamina.''

The stabbing happened during a school day and staff administered first aid to Ben while they awaited the arrival of emergency vehicles. Hundreds of pupils were evacuated and they were allowed back into school after the incident had been dealt with.

At the time of the stabbing Ben was a promising young footballer and he was a youth academy player with Norwich City.