Man Detained Indefinitely for Stabbing Young Tourist in Leicester Square
Published 16 December 2025
Highlights
- Ioan Pintaru, 33, was sentenced to indefinite detention in a high-security mental hospital for stabbing an 11-year-old girl in Leicester Square.
- The attack occurred on August 12, 2024, when the Australian tourist was visiting London with her mother.
- Pintaru pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a knife, but not attempted murder due to his psychosis.
- The victim's mother described the profound emotional and psychological impact on their lives, emphasizing ongoing trauma.
- A security guard intervened during the attack, helping to disarm Pintaru and prevent further harm.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Man Detained Indefinitely for Stabbing Young Tourist in Leicester Square
A Romanian national, Ioan Pintaru, has been sentenced to indefinite detention in a high-security mental hospital following a brutal knife attack on an 11-year-old Australian girl in London's Leicester Square. The incident, which took place on August 12, 2024, left the young tourist with severe injuries and lasting psychological trauma.
The Attack and Immediate Aftermath
The attack unfolded as the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was leaving a Lego store with her mother. Pintaru, 33, placed her in a headlock and stabbed her eight times in the face, neck, and chest. A security guard, identified only as Abdullah, intervened, managing to disarm Pintaru and prevent further harm. The girl was hospitalized for injuries to her face, shoulder, wrist, and neck but was discharged the following day.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
At the Old Bailey, Pintaru pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a knife. Prosecutors chose not to pursue an attempted murder charge, citing Pintaru's psychosis at the time of the attack, which made it impossible to prove intent to kill. Judge Richard Marks KC issued a hospital order under section 37 of the Mental Health Act, along with a restriction order under section 41, allowing for indefinite detention.
Impact on the Victim and Her Family
The victim's mother, who witnessed the attack, described the profound emotional and psychological harm inflicted on their family. In a victim impact statement, she expressed a deep sense of guilt for not being able to protect her daughter and highlighted the ongoing trauma they face. "There is a shadow over them that was not there before," she stated, emphasizing the lifelong impact of the event.
Background of the Attacker
Pintaru had a history of mental health issues, having been admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Romania multiple times between May 2022 and February 2023. He had stopped taking his medication at the time of the attack. Letters from his mother and priest were presented in court, shedding light on his troubled background.
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Scenario Analysis
The indefinite detention of Ioan Pintaru raises important questions about the intersection of mental health and crime. Legal experts suggest that this case underscores the need for better mental health support and monitoring, particularly for individuals with a history of psychiatric issues. The victim and her family may continue to face challenges as they navigate the psychological aftermath of the attack. Meanwhile, the incident has sparked discussions on public safety and the measures needed to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
A Romanian national, Ioan Pintaru, has been sentenced to indefinite detention in a high-security mental hospital following a brutal knife attack on an 11-year-old Australian girl in London's Leicester Square. The incident, which took place on August 12, 2024, left the young tourist with severe injuries and lasting psychological trauma.
The Attack and Immediate Aftermath
The attack unfolded as the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was leaving a Lego store with her mother. Pintaru, 33, placed her in a headlock and stabbed her eight times in the face, neck, and chest. A security guard, identified only as Abdullah, intervened, managing to disarm Pintaru and prevent further harm. The girl was hospitalized for injuries to her face, shoulder, wrist, and neck but was discharged the following day.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
At the Old Bailey, Pintaru pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a knife. Prosecutors chose not to pursue an attempted murder charge, citing Pintaru's psychosis at the time of the attack, which made it impossible to prove intent to kill. Judge Richard Marks KC issued a hospital order under section 37 of the Mental Health Act, along with a restriction order under section 41, allowing for indefinite detention.
Impact on the Victim and Her Family
The victim's mother, who witnessed the attack, described the profound emotional and psychological harm inflicted on their family. In a victim impact statement, she expressed a deep sense of guilt for not being able to protect her daughter and highlighted the ongoing trauma they face. "There is a shadow over them that was not there before," she stated, emphasizing the lifelong impact of the event.
Background of the Attacker
Pintaru had a history of mental health issues, having been admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Romania multiple times between May 2022 and February 2023. He had stopped taking his medication at the time of the attack. Letters from his mother and priest were presented in court, shedding light on his troubled background.
What this might mean
The indefinite detention of Ioan Pintaru raises important questions about the intersection of mental health and crime. Legal experts suggest that this case underscores the need for better mental health support and monitoring, particularly for individuals with a history of psychiatric issues. The victim and her family may continue to face challenges as they navigate the psychological aftermath of the attack. Meanwhile, the incident has sparked discussions on public safety and the measures needed to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
