Man to stand trial for ‘putting girl, 11, in headlock and knifing her 8 times as she visited Leicester Square with mum’
A HOMELESS man will stand trial accused knifing a schoolgirl eight times after putting her in a headlock as she visited Leicester Square with her mum.
Ioan Pintaru, 32, is accused of attacking the 11-year-old tourist, who was reportedly on a trip from Australia to see Taylor Swift perform.
He appeared at the Old Bailey today charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article – a steak knife – in a public place.
The court was told Pintaru allegedly put the girl in a headlock before stabbing her eight times.
Hero passers-by came to the girl’s aid, which prevented any further injury, it was said.
She sustained wounds to her face, shoulder, wrist and neck area during the horror.
No pleas were entered but a provisional trial date was set for May 6.
Dad-of-one Pintaru, who is a Romanian citizen, was remanded into custody to next appear in court on January 17.
The horror unfolded in the bustling tourist hotspot at around 11.34am on August 12.
The girl was taken to hospital with “serious but non life-threatening injuries” but has since been released.
Her mum was initially thought to have also been hurt but blood from her daughter’s injuries was mistaken for her own.
Police confirmed the suspect was not known to either of the victims and the stabbing is not currently being treated as terror-related.
The family is receiving consular assistance, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.