KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian teenager who attacked two students in the UK with a hammer reportedly entered a "killing rage" after extensive online research into serial killers and murder methods.
British tabloid Daily Mail reported that Thomas Wei Huang, 17, had clashed with one of the victims over a perceived insult during a science class, with additional tensions involving a female student.
During his trial, which resulted in a life sentence, the court highlighted his "obsession" with hammers and violent killers.
A psychologist suggested that Huang's actions could be linked to "sleepwalking violence". Another expert argued that he was likely awake during the assault.
Huang claimed he kept hammers by his bed for "protection" from a "zombie apocalypse" and expressed remorse for his actions.
Huang's barrister, Kerim Fuad KC, described the case as "tragic and extraordinary", citing extreme stress due to exams, personal issues and an alleged sexploitation attempt.
According to Sky News, Huang, then 16, attacked two boys in their dormitory at Blundell's School in Tiverton, Devon, in June last year.
Both victims sustained skull fractures and injuries to their ribs, spleen and lungs, with one suffering a punctured lung.
Huang also attacked a teacher who tried to intervene, striking him repeatedly over the head with a hammer.
During sentencing, judge Johannah Cutts said Huang's attack was premeditated.
She said he fully understood the potentially fatal consequences of his actions.
She said Huang posed a "significant risk" of repeating such behaviour and represented a "high level of danger" to the public.
Huang received a life sentence, with a minimum term of 12 years in prison.
Huang's identity was initially withheld from the public, but a recent lift on the reporting restriction has allowed his name to be released.