13-year-old girl detained following adoptive mother stabbing

A 13-year-old female has received an 18-month detention sentence following the stabbing of her adoptive mother. The Old Bailey court was informed that the girl was 12 years old when she assaulted the 47-year-old woman with a kitchen knife at their Wimbledon, south-west London, residence on 2 March, resulting in an arm wound. According to court proceedings, in September, she subsequently assaulted three care workers using a knife she had obtained under the guise of needing it to peel grapes. During a prior hearing, the girl pleaded not guilty to attempted murder of her adoptive mother but confessed to the charge of wounding with intent. Additionally, she admitted guilt to charges of making threats to kill and two counts of attempted wounding with intent concerning the assault on the care workers. Judge Judy Khan KC addressed the girl, stating: “I very much hope that you will get the support you need and you will be able to learn from your past mistakes. You are very young and there is every reason you can turn your life around and be happy and successful in the future.” The judge clarified her rationale for imposing a custodial sentence on the girl, indicating that she had considered the girl’s age, welfare, and potential for rehabilitation. The court was also informed that the judge assessed the girl as presenting a “high risk of harm to others” in the future.