In a case that has gripped both the United Kingdom and Australia, the man accused of stabbing an 11-year-old Australian girl eight times in London’s bustling Leicester Square will not face trial for attempted murder, following a dramatic turn of events in court this week. Ioan Pintaru, a 33-year-old Romanian national with no fixed address, admitted to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of a knife, but steadfastly denied the more serious charge of attempted murder. The heart-wrenching attack, which took place on August 12, 2024, left the young girl with injuries to her face, neck, shoulder, and wrist as she exited a Lego shop with her mother during what was meant to be a joyful holiday.
According to Sky News, the attack was entirely random. Pintaru allegedly put the girl in a headlock before stabbing her repeatedly. The scene quickly attracted horrified onlookers, but it was the brave intervention of a member of the public that prevented further tragedy. This bystander managed to disarm Pintaru and pin him to the ground, holding him there until police arrived. The girl was rushed to hospital for treatment, and her injuries, though severe, were not life-threatening.
For over a year, the case has moved through the British legal system, with the attempted murder charge looming large. However, at a brief hearing at the Old Bailey on October 28, 2025, Judge Richard Marks KC announced that the prosecution would not be proceeding with the attempted murder charge. The decision came after new evidence was presented by two separate expert psychiatrists.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) clarified its position in a statement issued to the press. "Our thoughts remain with the victim and family affected by the horrendous actions of Ioan Pintaru – who remains criminally responsible and will be sentenced accordingly," a CPS spokesperson told the PA news agency. "The decision to accept a guilty plea to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm was taken after carefully reviewing evidence provided by two separate expert psychiatrists. The impact of the expert evidence meant that we could not prove that Pintaru specifically intended to kill, which is an essential element of an attempted murder offence. We explained our decision to the family in detail and will continue to assist and support them."
Judge Marks confirmed this explanation in court, stating that prosecutors had indicated the attempted murder charge would "not be proceeded with" due to the psychiatric evidence. The judge then set a sentencing date for December 16, 2025. The victim’s parents, who have since returned to Australia, will be able to watch the proceedings via video link.
Pintaru remains detained in a high-security hospital in Liverpool, reflecting the seriousness with which authorities are treating both his actions and his mental health condition. He was not present for the October 28 hearing and is not expected to attend in person for sentencing either. The fact that he is being held at such a facility underscores the role that mental health assessments have played in the legal process.
The attack itself shocked Londoners and tourists alike. Leicester Square, a vibrant hub in the heart of the city, is usually associated with entertainment and family outings, not violence. The rapid response from the public – with bystanders intervening at great personal risk – was widely praised and likely prevented even greater harm. The girl’s quick transfer to hospital and subsequent recovery have been a relief to her family, though the psychological scars of such a traumatic event are sure to linger.
As reported by the Evening Standard, the victim, whose identity has been protected for legal reasons, was treated for her multiple injuries and has since returned home. The family’s ordeal, however, is far from over. They have followed the legal proceedings closely from Australia, supported by authorities and victim services in both countries. The CPS has pledged to continue assisting the family, keeping them informed at every stage of the process.
The legal distinction between wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and attempted murder is significant. Under British law, attempted murder requires proof that the defendant specifically intended to kill the victim. In this case, the psychiatric evidence apparently cast doubt on Pintaru’s intent, making a conviction on the attempted murder charge unlikely. This is not an uncommon outcome in cases where mental health issues are involved, but it often leaves victims and their families with mixed feelings about justice being served.
In the words of the CPS spokesperson, "The impact of the expert evidence meant that we could not prove that Pintaru specifically intended to kill, which is an essential element of an attempted murder offence." This statement, echoed in both Sky News and the Evening Standard, highlights the complexities prosecutors face when mental health becomes a central issue in violent crime cases. It’s a reminder that the justice system must balance the need to hold perpetrators accountable with the realities of mental illness and the standards of proof required in criminal trials.
While some members of the public may feel uneasy about the dropping of the attempted murder charge, legal experts point out that the charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm is itself a very serious offence, carrying a lengthy prison sentence. Pintaru’s admission of guilt means that he will be held criminally responsible for his actions, and the sentencing judge will take into account the gravity of the attack and its impact on the young victim and her family.
The case has also sparked renewed debate about knife crime in London, the protection of tourists, and the support available for victims of violent crime. Leicester Square, as a symbol of the city’s openness and diversity, has rarely seen such a shocking incident. The authorities have reiterated their commitment to keeping public spaces safe, though the randomness of this attack has left many unsettled.
As the December sentencing date approaches, all eyes will once again turn to the Old Bailey. The victim’s family, though thousands of miles away, will witness the proceedings and, it is hoped, gain some measure of closure. For Ioan Pintaru, the legal process is nearing its end, but the questions raised by this case – about mental health, criminal responsibility, and the limits of justice – will linger long after the final verdict is handed down.
