Detectives have commended the extraordinary bravery of a nine-year-old girl and her friend, whose courage and testimony helped secure the conviction of a man for a vicious and unprovoked stabbing attack. Jordan Wilkes, 29, from Christchurch, appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Wednesday, 23 April 2025, where he was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with an extended licence period of five years, for the attempted murder of the child.
The attack took place at approximately 5.55pm on Tuesday, 20 August 2024, in a communal area of a property on Glider Close, Christchurch. The young victim had been sitting on a stairwell, chatting with her friend, when Wilkes approached and launched a brutal assault, stabbing her multiple times – including in the shoulder, jawline, and leg.
In an act of quick-thinking and sheer survival instinct, the two girls managed to flee up the stairs and seek refuge in a nearby flat. The occupants acted swiftly, taking the girls in and calling emergency services. Police officers responded immediately and arrested Wilkes at the scene, while the young victim was given urgent medical care and transported to hospital with injuries to her neck, shoulder, side, and knee.
Detective Chief Inspector Aimee Schock, of BCP CID, praised the actions of the victims and emergency services:
“This was a horrific knife attack on a defenceless young girl that could easily have had fatal consequences. I want to thank the young victim and her friend for the courage they have shown in giving evidence and helping to build a case against Jordan Wilkes, which ultimately led to his conviction for attempted murder.”
“Thanks to the swift response of the emergency services to this shocking incident, we were not only able to quickly provide immediate first aid to the young girl for her injuries but also arrested the defendant shortly after his violent attack.”
Senior Crown Prosecutor Kelly Newman, of CPS Wessex, echoed these sentiments:
“This attack represents every parent’s worst nightmare – believing their child is innocently and safely playing, only to be targeted in such a horrific manner. We have been moved by the bravery of the victim and her friend throughout this process. We hope that they can begin to heal from such a terrifying ordeal.”
Following the sentencing, the family of the victim released a heartfelt statement:
“Our little girl did not have a choice on 20 August 2024… Together we did not choose to experience this trauma, and we did not choose what we will endure for the rest of our lives… We MUST… because of the choice a heinous and disturbing fanatic of monstrous proportion made, who chose an innocent and vulnerable little girl as his victim, subsequently plunging our family into a living nightmare.
But be assured; although it has been extremely arduous, the resilience, bravery, endurance, strength, power, determination and much more our little girl has shown from the very seconds of the attack through to where we stand today, will continue to diminish his existence.
We are extremely fortunate, beyond words and feelings, to still have our little girl with us today. Given the severity of her injuries, our little girl is currently and undoubtedly will experience further challenges and difficulties for the rest of her life, the impact of which remains uncertain.
Justice has been delivered today and knowing this person’s liberties have been withdrawn and children in our community are now safe from him, we can close out this chapter. We are hugely grateful for the 12 members of society who saw through any defence and unanimously delivered a guilty verdict, giving our family and the community the opportunity to see today’s results.
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks and love from across our community and neighbouring communities, who provided support to our family either professionally or socially. A special thank you to Dorset Police, CPS and the prosecution team for ensuring that justice has been served, but also for the continued support that Dorset Police are giving to our family.”
The family extended their gratitude to the many individuals and organisations who provided essential support during the most traumatic period of their lives, including:
- Dorset Ambulance Service
- Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance
- Southampton General Hospital
- Physiotherapist at Christchurch Hospital
- Victim Support
- Early Help/Outreach
- Social Services
- BCP Council
- CAMHS
- Their daughter’s school, especially the headteacher and teaching assistants
- Their employers
- Their neighbours, friends, and family
They also gave a special mention to NAPA Auto Parts and East Christchurch Sports and Social Club Football Team, whose generous donations gave their daughter a chance to enjoy life after such a devastating ordeal.
This harrowing case stands as a chilling reminder of the danger posed by violent individuals – but also of the power of community, resilience, and justice in the face of such senseless violence.
