Birley Academy staff praised as teenager jailed for school attack

The judge said: “Without a thought for your own safety you went forward to protect school children.”

Ms Bulmer, who works with children at risk of exclusion, said she had struggled to go back to the school after the incident and felt this meant the pupils she worked with were victims too.

Earlier this year, a jury heard how Melotte, of Jaunty Avenue, Sheffield, shared a series of posts on social media on the day of the attack.

One said: “Today is the day; a calling from the Lord Jesus Christ has been cast upon me.

“To do what God Almighty thinks is necessary.”

The court heard how he smashed a glass at home before calmly walking the 20 minutes to the school with the pieces hidden up his sleeve.

As he launched his attack, he was heard to say: “I’m going to kill everyone.”

Sentencing Melotte, Judge Richardson said he accepted the defendant was autistic and had mental health problems, including suffering from psychosis at the time of the incident.

He said this explained “up to a point” what happened, but added: “You knew what you were doing, of that there is no doubt.”

Judge Richardson said protection of the public was paramount.

“Schools and colleges are places of learning. They are also places where those attending, whether pupils or staff, must feel safe. They must be kept safe.”

An order protecting Melotte’s identity was lifted at a previous hearing.

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