Romanian citizen charged with stabbing child tourist ‘eight times’ remanded in custody

It was originally believed that the girl’s mother, aged 34, was also attacked in the alleged stabbing but police have since clarified that blood from her daughter’s injuries was mistaken as her own.

Pintaru sat in the dock dressed in a grey tracksuit accompanied by two custody staff.

The court’s proceedings were delayed as they sought a Romanian interpreter, who was eventually brought in.

When asked where he lived, the defendant shrugged his shoulders.

The district judge Michael Snow read out charges that “on August 12 you attempted to murder the 11-year-old girl”.

The judge also confirmed that Pintaru was charged with possession of an article that had a blade and was sharply pointed.

The court heard that the alleged weapon was a steak knife.

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The judge sent both matters to the Central Criminal Court. The next apperance will be there by video link on September 10.

The judge said that Pintaru must remain in custody pending that appearance because of the “nature and seriousness of the allegations”.

He noted that Pintaru is a Romanian citizen with no fixed address in this country.

For the prosecution, David Burns said the complainant and her 11-year-old daughter were tourists in the Leicester Square area.

He said that the 11-year-old girl was stabbed eight times into the body where she sustained wounds to the face, shoulder, wrist and neck area.

Burns added: “Fortunately, members of the public intervened which prevented any further injury being made to the child.

“Officers were called and found the defendant being held by members of the public, he was detained and searched and found a knife on his person.

“In relation to the complainant, she was taken to hospital, where she is undergoing treatment.”

The court also heard that Pintaru has a child in Manchester.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police rushed to the scene after reports of a stabbing at 11.34am yesterday.

The girl was taken to hospital, where her injuries were reported as serious but not life-threatening.

Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah said that the alleged attacker was not known to the mother and daughter.

“At this stage we don't believe the suspect and the victims were known to each other.

“While we continue to work to establish the suspect's motive, at this stage there is nothing to indicate the attack was terror-related.

“Detectives will be keen to speak to anyone who was in the area and may have information that can assist with their enquiries. I would urge anyone who can help to get in touch.”