A man who repeatedly stabbed a nine-year-old girl in an attempt to kill her has been jailed for 30 years. Jordan Wilkes, 29, from New Milton, attacked the girl, who was playing outside his flat with a friend, in August 2024. Bournemouth Crown Court heard data from Wilkes' phone showed he had researched James Bulger's murder, rioting afterthe Southport killingsand information about Aiden Fucci, ahead of the attack. In a victim impact statement, the girl's mother said her daughter had developed post traumatic stress disorder and "carries a life sentence of her own". The court heard the girl was not known to Wilkes before the attack, which happened at an address in Glider Close during the school holidays. She had been playing in a communal stairwell when Wilkes came out of his flat and stabbed her with a penknife three times, once to her jaw, then her shoulder and knee. The girl and her friend managed to get away and knocked on a number of doors before a neighbour took them in and called the emergency services. In arrest footage from Dorset Police, Wilkes can be heard directing officers to the attempted murder weapon in his bedroom. His DNA was later found on the handle of the penknife, while the victim's blood was found on the blade. Prosecutor Berenice Mulvanny told the court the victim was taken to hospital and treated for her "serious" stab wounds, but the court heard she would be left scarred for life. The wound to her neck narrowly missed major arteries, which could have led to fatal blood loss if they had been cut, the court heard. Ms Mulvanny said a search of the defendant's home found a number of knives, several of which had been hidden around the premises. Analysis of his mobile phone revealed 69 files relating to YouTube videos, news articles and podcasts focused on murders and child killings. Ms Mulvanny said this included the so-called "Valentine's Day massacre" at a high school in Parkland, Florida, in 2018 in which 17 people were killed. He had also looked up the rioting in the aftermath of the murder of three girls at a dance class in Southport in July 2024, and a day after the killings he had clicked on a link for a local dance class, the court heard. Wilkes was found guilty after trial of one count of attempted murder and one count of possessing a bladed article on 7 March. Passing sentence, Judge William Mousley KC commended the two girls' bravery. He said: "The conduct of two very brave little girls has been quite remarkable, in light of the ordeal they have been through." Wilkes was sentenced to 30 years' imprisonment and an extended licence of five years for attempted murder. He received a sentence of two years' imprisonment for the posession of a bladed article to run concurrently. Senior crown prosecutor, Kelly Newman, said Wilkes was a "highly dangerous individual with an obscene interest in knives and violence". She said: "Examination of all the available evidence, particularly his disturbing online search history in the weeks before this attack, revealed his hideous intentions to kill and harm children. "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." You can followBBC DorsetonFacebook,X (Twitter), orInstagram.
Man who stabbed girl, 9, in attempted murder jailed
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Attempted Murder of Nine-Year-Old Girl"
Bbc News
7.5
TruthLens AI Summary
Jordan Wilkes, a 29-year-old man from New Milton, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the attempted murder of a nine-year-old girl. The incident occurred in August 2024 while the girl was playing outside Wilkes' flat with a friend. During the attack, which took place in a communal stairwell, Wilkes used a penknife to stab the young girl three times, inflicting serious injuries to her jaw, shoulder, and knee. The court heard that the victim, who was unknown to Wilkes prior to the assault, managed to escape and sought help from neighbors, who subsequently called emergency services. The girl's mother provided a victim impact statement indicating that her daughter now suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and metaphorically carries a life sentence due to the trauma of the attack. The severity of the girl's injuries was underscored by the fact that one of the knife wounds narrowly missed major arteries, which could have resulted in fatal blood loss.
Evidence presented at Bournemouth Crown Court revealed that Wilkes had a disturbing pattern of behavior leading up to the attack, including extensive online research related to violent crimes and child killings. Prosecutor Berenice Mulvanny highlighted that Wilkes had viewed numerous files pertaining to notorious murders, including the tragic case of James Bulger and the Parkland school shooting. Following a trial, Wilkes was convicted of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article. Judge William Mousley KC praised the bravery of both the victim and her friend, acknowledging the remarkable courage they displayed throughout the ordeal. Senior crown prosecutor Kelly Newman characterized Wilkes as a highly dangerous individual with a concerning obsession with knives and violence, emphasizing that this attack epitomizes a parent's worst fear of their child being targeted in such a horrific manner. Alongside the lengthy prison sentence, Wilkes will also serve an extended license period of five years for his actions.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The report details a shocking incident involving a man who attempted to murder a nine-year-old girl, resulting in a 30-year prison sentence. This case raises concerns about public safety, the psychological impact of violence on children, and the motivations behind such violent acts.
Intent and Community Impact
The primary intention behind the publication of this news seems to be to inform the public about a severe crime that has occurred in their community. By detailing the attack and the psychological effects on the victim, the article aims to highlight the consequences of violence, particularly towards children. This could foster a sense of fear or urgency among the community regarding safety, especially in public spaces. It also serves to remind the community of the importance of vigilance and the potential dangers present in seemingly safe environments.
Underlying Issues
There might be a desire to draw attention to broader issues related to mental health, societal violence, and the influence of media on violent behavior. The mention of the perpetrator's research into past high-profile murders could suggest a pattern of behavior that reflects a deeper societal problem. This could imply that the news is also aimed at prompting discussions about preventing such incidents and addressing the root causes of violence.
Manipulative Elements
The report contains elements that could be considered manipulative, such as the detailed description of the perpetrator's actions and background, which could evoke strong emotional responses from readers. The language used is direct and impactful, likely intended to provoke outrage and concern. The focus on the victim's suffering and the graphic details of the attack may serve to sensationalize the story, which can lead to a skewed perception of safety in communities.
Connection to Other News
When compared to other similar news stories, this article fits into a broader narrative concerning child safety and violent crime. It may draw parallels with other incidents of violence against children, thereby reinforcing a narrative of ongoing societal issues related to crime and safety. This can create a sense of urgency and a call for action among the public, potentially influencing political discourse around crime prevention.
Media Image and Public Perception
The publication of such news contributes to the media's image of being a watchdog for society, bringing attention to serious crimes and advocating for victims. However, it can also perpetuate fear and anxiety among the public, leading to a perception of an unsafe world, particularly for children. This duality in media representation can influence public opinion and political action concerning crime and safety measures.
Potential Societal Effects
The aftermath of such news can lead to calls for stricter laws regarding knife crime and enhanced protective measures for children. It could influence public policy discussions on mental health resources and community safety programs. Communities may become more engaged in discussions about child safety, potentially leading to increased funding for protective measures and mental health support.
Community Support and Target Audience
This news is likely to resonate with parents and community members concerned about child safety. It may appeal to those advocating for stronger protective measures for children and victims of violent crime. The emotional weight of the story could also draw support from advocacy groups focused on preventing violence against children.
Economic and Market Impact
While the immediate economic impact of this news may be limited, it could influence sectors related to community safety and security, such as law enforcement, mental health services, and child protection agencies. Companies operating in these sectors may experience increased attention and potential funding as communities react to the crime.
Global Context and Relevance
Although this incident is localized, it reflects a global concern regarding violence against children and societal safety. It aligns with ongoing discussions about the impact of media on violent behavior, making it relevant in various contexts. The themes of child safety and community violence resonate worldwide, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions.
Use of AI in News Writing
It is possible that AI tools were used in the reporting process, particularly in analyzing data or summarizing information. However, the emotional narrative and detailed investigation suggest human involvement in crafting the story. AI models might have been used for data analysis, but the storytelling aspect appears to be driven by journalistic standards.
Manipulation Assessment
The report does contain manipulative elements aimed at evoking strong emotional responses, particularly through its vivid descriptions and focus on the victim's trauma. The language and presentation could sway public opinion regarding safety and the need for action against violent crime.
Overall, the credibility of this news article is supported by the detailed court findings and the inclusion of victim impact statements. While it may contain sensational elements, the factual basis appears sound, making it a reliable source of information regarding this tragic incident.