A quiet evening in Christchurch turned to horror when a nine-year-old girl was the victim of a brutal and unprovoked knife attack in a communal stairwell at a property in Glider Close. The shocking incident took place at 5:55pm as the young girl sat chatting with her friend on the stairs.
The attacker, later identified as Jordan Wilkes, 29, launched a vicious assault, stabbing the child in the shoulder, jaw, and leg. The girls managed to flee to a nearby flat, where quick-thinking residents sheltered them and immediately called emergency services.
‘A Horrific Knife Attack’
Detective Chief Inspector Aimee Schock, of BCP CID, described the assault as a "horrific knife attack" that deeply shook the Bournemouth and Christchurch community. She acknowledged that such attacks on children are rare, but underscored the importance of continued vigilance and public safety awareness.
Emergency services arrived swiftly at the scene. The girl, found with wounds to her neck, shoulder, side and knee, was given urgent medical treatment and rushed to hospital. Wilkes was arrested at the scene without resistance.
CPS Praises Swift Justice and Victim’s Bravery
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) praised the collaborative work between Dorset Police and prosecutors. Senior Crown Prosecutor Kelly Newman described the incident as "every parent’s worst nightmare" and commended the efficiency and dedication that led to a strong case against Wilkes.
Both the victim and her friend demonstrated "remarkable bravery" by giving evidence against Wilkes in court. Their testimonies played a crucial role in securing his conviction for attempted murder at Bournemouth Crown Court.
On 23 April 2025, Wilkes was sentenced to 30 years in custody, with a further five-year extended licence period. The sentencing judge highlighted the extreme violence of the attack and the vulnerability of the victim.
Sentencing Reflects Gravity of Crime
The Sentencing Council states that attempted murder, particularly involving child victims, warrants lengthy custodial sentences. The additional licence period ensures that Wilkes will be closely monitored after release, to safeguard the public.
DCI Schock said:
"This was an appalling and senseless act of violence against a defenceless child. I want to commend the victim and her friend for their incredible bravery – they helped bring a very dangerous man to justice."
Community Response and Prevention Efforts
The incident has reignited public concern about knife crime. On social media, users have praised the victims’ courage. One X user wrote: "Those kids are heroes. Justice has been done." Another commented: "This should never happen again—what are we doing to protect our children?"
In response, community safety partnerships in the area, including the Bournemouth Safer Communities Partnership, have renewed efforts to address youth violence through education, engagement, and prevention campaigns.
Some residents, however, are calling for harsher penalties and tougher sentencing for knife crimes, while others urge investment in rehabilitation and mental health support—echoing national debates on justice reform.
Looking Ahead
As the community continues to process the trauma of this incident, support services remain available to those affected. The Ministry of Justice highlights the psychological challenges faced by child witnesses, and local authorities have pledged continued assistance for the victim and her family.
Jordan Wilkes will remain behind bars for at least three decades—but for many in Christchurch, the impact of that single moment of violence will last a lifetime.
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