Christchurch man jailed for 30 years for stabbing nine year old girl
29 year old Jordan Wilkes has been sentenced for attempted murder
Last updated 23rd Apr 2025
A Christchurch man's been handed a 30 year prison sentence for the attempted murder of a nine year old girl.
2\9 year old Jordan Wilkes has been sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court today (Wednesday 23rd April) to a 30 year sentence, with an extended licence term of five years.
He stabbed the child in the neck, chest and knee in a random attack at a block of flats in Glider Close in August last year.
The girl suffered injuries that luckily weren't life-threatening.
Wilkes was found guilty of attempted murder by a jury in March, and had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing a bladed article.
During his trial, the court heard Wilkes had an 'unhealthy interest' in child murders and had researched the Southport attack prior to the incident.
The prosecutor also told the court that Wilkes had been given a 14-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, for the assault causing ABH of an eight-year-old boy in a "brutal" attack in 2016.
He had punched and kicked the boy before stamping on his head, causing his victim to lose consciousness, because he had become angered at the youngster playing on some bins.
Judge William Mousley KC said directly to the defendant: "You are a dangerous offender, there is a significant risk of you causing serious harm to others in the future."
He added: "This was a very serious offence, as an attempt to kill a nine-year-old child it was short-lived and not pre-meditated, you lost your temper.
"You had an interest in child-killing and you decided to try it out for yourself."
The judge praised the two girls for their "great bravery" said that although the girl's injuries were relatively minor, "she has suffered serious psychological harm which is continuing".
"She is permanently and obviously scarred, the impact on her family has been very significant."
Footage has been released by the CPS of Jordan Wilkes' arrest:
The victim's mother said in a victim impact statement read to the court that before the attack her daughter had been a "happy carefree child" but had become anxious, unable to sleep and had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
She added: "Since that day this has all changed, our entire family dynamic has changed where the innocent, bubbly, free-spirited little girl is no more.
"Ever since that man caused those injuries, she has not been the same child."
Nick Robinson, defending, said that Wilkes lived an "isolated" life with his mother and explaining that with a low IQ of 72, his client "presents as someone much younger".
He said that the attack had been "unplanned and spontaneous" and added: "He is remorseful for his actions and the impact it has had physically and psychologically on the victim, her friend and their families."
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."
Victim's family response
A statement's been released through Dorset Police by the family of the injured girl, following Wilkes' sentencing:
"Our little girl did not have a choice on 20th 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, 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 her life, of which we are uncertain of the impact on her.
"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 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
• Physiotherapist 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."