Christchurch, Crime | Posted on April 24th, 2025 | return to news
Christchurch man sentenced to 30 years for stabbing a child
Jordan Wilkes is behind bars for stabbing a nine-year-old girl, whose bravery has been praised by detectives.
A Christchurch man was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court to 30 years in custody following the attempted murder of a nine-year-old girl, whose bravery has been praised by detectives.
Jordan Wilkes, 29, who was also sentenced to an extended licence period of a further five years, had been found guilty at an earlier trial.
At 5.55pm on Tuesday 20 August 2024, officers attended Glider Close in Christchurch following a report that a nine-year-old girl had been stabbed in a communal area of an address.
It was reported that the girl had been sitting on some stairs chatting with her friend when a man had approached and stabbed the victim in the shoulder and jaw line area as well as in the leg.
The girls both fled up the stairs and managed to get into a flat in the property, with the occupants taking them in and contacting the police.
Emergency services attended and commenced first aid on the victim, while the defendant was located at the scene and arrested.
The victim was taken to hospital and treated for injuries to her neck area, shoulder, side and knee.
Detective Chief Inspector Aimee Schock, of BCP CID, said: “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 in this case 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.”
Kelly Newman, a senior crown prosecutor with CPS Wessex, said: “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.
“The CPS, working closely with our criminal justice partners, remains committed to building robust cases and securing justice for victims.”
The family of the nine-year-old issued a statement which reads:
“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 [of] a heinous and disturbing fanatic of monstrous proportion[s], 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, of which we are uncertain of the impact on her.
“Justice has been delivered 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 from society who saw through any
defence and unanimously delivered a guilty verdict and gave our family and the community the opportunity to see today’s results.
“We would like to express our heart-felt thanks and love from across our community and neighbouring communities, who provided support to our family either professionally or socially.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank so many of the services involved, that have helped our little girl personally, our family and our community as a whole.
“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.
“We extend our thanks to the following, for without their continued expertise and commitment, we might not be where we are today: Dorset Ambulance Service; Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance; Southampton General Hospital; physiotherapists at Christchurch Hospital; Victim Support; Early Help/Outreach; Social Services; BCP Council; CAMHS; our girl’s school – specifically to the headteacher and TAs; our employers for their understanding and patience; our neighbours; family and friends.
Also, a special mention to NAPA Auto Parts and East Christchurch Sports and Social Club Football Team, who independently donated funds to the family for our little girl to enjoy.”
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