Teen Murder Trial Hears Expulsion Hours Before Girl’s Death

A 16-year-old boy on trial for murdering 9-year-old Aria Thorpe was expelled from school on the day she died, Bristol Crown Court heard June 17. Aria suffered a single stab wound to her chest at her home in Weston-super-Mare on December 15, 2025. The defendant denies murder and manslaughter. The expulsion timing raises questions about whether schools have duty to monitor expelled students and alert parents to risks.

School Expulsion on Day of Death

The court heard the teenager was expelled from school hours before Aria died. Teachers noted he was disruptive but appeared to be trying hard a week before the expulsion decision. His mother said she received a call from the school stating the decision had been made and they would arrange alternative provision. She confiscated his phone and told him she was disappointed. His grandfather said the boy engaged in silly, impulsive acts at school without thinking but showed no physical aggression at home.

Aria’s Final Hours and the 999 Call

Aria’s mother, Victoria Hull, told the court her daughter was bubbly and happy after a dance class on December 15. They returned home at 4:45pm, made mini-pizzas, and Aria ate while watching YouTube. Ms Hull left for her evening shift at Pontins at around 5pm. After the stabbing, the boy went to a nearby railway station and told other children what he had done. A 14-year-old girl called 999 to report the stabbing and directed police to the platform where he waited.

Timeline and Emergency Response

Aria was found face down on her home floor just after 6pm by Ollie Sheppard, who was temporarily staying there. Emergency services stopped attempting resuscitation at 6:58pm. Ms Hull became aware of the incident through people trying to contact her and left work, arriving at a friend’s house at 7:18pm where police were already present. She was taken to her parents’ house by female officers.

Legal Status and Trial Proceedings

The defendant cannot be named due to his age. He was 15 when arrested and is now 16. The trial continues at Bristol Crown Court with the jury hearing evidence about his background, school history, and the events of December 15. His legal team denies both murder and manslaughter charges.

Final Thoughts

The trial raises serious questions about school accountability when expelling troubled students. The timing of the expulsion on the day of Aria’s death suggests potential gaps in safeguarding protocols and communication between schools and families during crisis moments.

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