Man 'inspired' by Southport attack jailed for stabbing girl, 9, in the neck

These materials detailed notorious cases such as the Axel Rudakubana Southport dance class killings in July 2024 and the Parkland school shooting in Florida in 2018. Notably, Wilkes had accessed information about the Southport murders shortly after they occurred and had searched for local dance classes the following day.

Prosecutor Berenice Mulvanny presented this evidence to the court, highlighting Wilkes’ disturbing interest in child murders. She stated that Wilkes had previously received a 14-month suspended sentence for assaulting an eight-year-old boy in 2016, an incident where he punched, kicked, and stamped on the child’s head, rendering him unconscious. In 2020, Wilkes was suspected of setting fire to a pram outside his flat, and in 2022, he was reported for verbally abusing a child with special educational needs.

During sentencing, Judge William Mousley KC addressed Wilkes, stating:

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The judge commended the bravery of the victim and her friend, acknowledging the psychological harm suffered by the girl, who is now permanently scarred. A victim impact statement from the girl’s mother described her daughter as previously “happy and carefree,” now struggling with anxiety, sleeplessness, and a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Defence counsel Nick Robinson described Wilkes as leading an “isolated” life with his mother and possessing a low IQ of 72, presenting as someone much younger. He argued that the attack was

and that Wilkes was remorseful for his actions and their impact on the victim and her family.

In a statement following the sentencing, the victim’s family expressed that

acknowledging the trauma endured and the resilience shown by their daughter.

Detective Chief Inspector Aimee Schock of Dorset Police commented:

Wilkes was sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment for attempted murder, with a concurrent two-year sentence for possession of a bladed article, and an extended licence period of five years upon release.

Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.