A man who stabbed an 11-year-old Australian girl in a random knife attack in London’s Leicester Square will not face trial for her attempted murder, a court has confirmed. The decision comes after Ioan Pintaru, 33, pleaded guilty to wounding the child with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of a knife in a public place.
The attack occurred on the morning of August 12, 2024, when the victim, who was on holiday in London with her 34-year-old mother, was targeted by Pintaru. The incident unfolded outside the Lego store in the West End. Pintaru allegedly approached the young girl, placed her in a headlock, and repeatedly stabbed her eight times in a sudden and unprovoked attack.
Members of the public swiftly intervened, disarming Pintaru and restraining him until police arrived to arrest him. The girl, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, was rushed to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries, including wounds to her face, shoulder, wrist, and neck area. Thankfully, the victim survived the horrific ordeal.
Pintaru, who has no fixed address, was initially charged with attempted murder and was due to face trial at the Old Bailey on October 27, 2025. However, during a brief hearing on October 28, Judge Richard Marks KC confirmed that the prosecution had decided not to proceed with the attempted murder charge.
The decision not to pursue the attempted murder charge remains unexplained in court. The judge set a sentencing date for December 16, 2025, when the victim’s family will have the opportunity to join the proceedings via videolink from Australia.
Pintaru, a Romanian national, is currently being held in a high-security hospital in Liverpool, where he was detained after the attack. His absence from the court was noted, as he was not required to attend the hearing.
The victim’s family, still grappling with the trauma of the attack, has expressed their shock and heartbreak over the ordeal. While the decision not to pursue the attempted murder charge has left many questions unanswered, the focus now shifts to the upcoming sentencing, where the full extent of Pintaru’s actions will be addressed.
This case serves as a chilling reminder of the random nature of violent attacks and the profound impact they have on victims and their families. The sentencing will provide an opportunity for justice, as the victim and her loved ones continue to heal from the traumatic experience.
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