Man detained for stabbing girl in Leicester Square

A man who repeatedly stabbed an 11 year old girl in a random knife attack in Leicester Square has been detained indefinitely

This happened in August last year as she left the Lego store with her mum

The little girl, who'd been on holiday with her Mum, told police she thought she was going to die after being targeted by Ioan Pintaru in the West End.

The 33 year old put her in a headlock before attacking her. He was only stopped when a security guard working nearby managed to disarm him and pin him down with the help of two others

The judge commended him for his bravery and awarded him one thousand pounds

Pintaru, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty in October to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a knife.

He was sentenced at the Old Bailey on Tuesday to a hospital order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act and a restriction order under Section 41 - meaning he can be detained indefinitely.

Judge Richard Marks KC said: "A victim impact statement from (the victim's) mother described how when the incident unfolded in front of her she believed with absolute certainty that she was watching her daughter being killed in front of her, and how she relives that moment over and over."

The mother told of a "profound" emotional and psychological harm which has resulted in her "constantly scanning for danger", the judge went on.

"She feels... a deep sense of guilt for not having been able to protect her daughter and she finds it extremely difficult to allow her independence," he continued.

"There is a shadow over them that was not there before.

"This event has altered the course of their lives, the trauma they carry is lifelong."

Detective Constable Laura Nicoll, of the Met’s specialist crime team, who led the investigation, said: “The girl was leaving the Lego Store in Leicester Square with her mum after buying presents for her family, while visiting the city on holiday.

“This innocent scene was shattered when Ioan-Alexandru Pintaru violently stabbed her with a knife. It was a savage and brutal attack that left the city in shock.

“But following the most appalling scene, we also saw the best of London – a security guard who raced from his post without a thought of his own safety, the off-duty nurse who tended to the little girl’s wounds.

“Without them, she might not be alive today. The guard was commended by the court, and we would like to add to that our sincere admiration for his selfless act.

“This happened in the very heart of London, an area which is currently packed with tourists visiting over Christmas. We continue to work tirelessly to prevent further violence on our streets.”

Speaking about his actions, the security guard, Abdullah, 30, said: "It was a purely selfless and instinctive response, driven by a sense of responsibility to help someone in danger. I’m grateful that this was acknowledged and that the child is safe."

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