Man admits stabbing girl, 11, in Leicester Square

A man has admitted stabbing an 11-year-old girl in a random knife attack in Leicester Square.

The Australian child was on holiday with her 34-year-old mother when she was targeted by Ioan Pintaru in London’s West End at about 11:30 BST on 12 August last year.

Pintaru, who denied attempted murder, allegedly approached the girl as she left the Lego store, placed her in a headlock and stabbed her eight times.

The Romanian national pleaded guilty to wounding the girl with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and possession of a knife.

A security guard previously told the BBC he intervened to disarm Pintaru and pin the 33-year-old to the ground until police arrived.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment for injuries to her face, shoulder, wrist and neck.

On Friday, Pintaru, of no fixed address, appeared at the Old Bailey for a plea hearing before Judge Richard Marks KC.

He entered his pleas by video link and was assisted by an interpreter in court.

Prosecution barrister, Heidi Stonecliffe KC, said there would be a trial on the outstanding attempted murder charge from 27 October.