A terrifying incident unfolded on August 12 of last year, when Ioan-Alexandru Pintaru, a 33-year-old man without a permanent home, launched a brutal attack on a young girl just as she exited the LEGO store in Leicester Square. The random nature of the assault left the public shocked and bewildered.
In a horrifying moment, Pintaru restrained the girl in a headlock and inflicted multiple stab wounds, targeting her eye, neck, chest, and shoulder. The vicious attack resulted in severe injuries, deeply impacting the young victim’s life.
In court, the girl’s mother recounted the harrowing ordeal, describing Pintaru’s attack as relentless, like a “jackhammer,” as he repeatedly stabbed her daughter. She portrayed him as “wide-eyed and manic,” driven by an unstoppable force.
Pintaru’s actions were later examined in the context of his mental health, as he was diagnosed with schizophrenia. In court, he claimed to have been under the delusion that people were trying to kill him, insisting he had no intention of harming anyone.
This tragic case reached a legal conclusion when Pintaru was charged and subsequently convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, as well as possession of a bladed article. In October, he pleaded guilty to both charges, acknowledging the severity of his actions.
Pintaru was charged with, and later convicted of, causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article after pleading guilty to both counts in October.
On Tuesday, he was sentenced to a hospital order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act with an additional restriction order under Section 41.
This means he could be detained indefinitely.
The violence of the attack was particularly shocking, according to police.
“It was a savage and brutal attack that left the city in shock,” Detective Constable Laura Nicoll said.
