CHRISTCHURCH man Jordan Wilkes – who researched the Southport attacks before stabbing a nine-year-old girl in Christchurch – has been jailed for 30 years.

Wilkes, who stabbed the youngster as she sat outside his home in Gilder Close in August last year, has been sentenced after being found guilty of attempted murder at Bournemouth Crown Court.

Now, Dorset Police detectives have praised the courage of the young victim and her friend, whose evidence helped bring 29-year-old Wilkes to justice.

The horrific incident unfolded at 5.55pm on Tuesday, August 20 last year, when police received reports a girl had been stabbed in the communal area of a Christchurch address.

“It was reported that the girl had been sitting on some stairs chatting with her friend when a man had approached and stabbed the victim in the shoulder and jaw line area as well as in the leg,” a police spokesperson said.

“The girls both fled up the stairs and managed to get into a flat in the property, with the occupants taking them in and contacting the police.

“Emergency services attended and commenced first aid on the victim, while the defendant was located at the scene and arrested.”

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The victim was taken to hospital and treated for injuries to her neck area, shoulder, side and knee.

Today (April 23), Wilkes was sentenced to 30 years in custody with extended licence period of a further five years.

After the hearing, 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, added: “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.”