Stabbed girl fortunate not to die - court told

The alleged attack took place by the A63 in November 2024

A jury was told that a 13-year-old girl found with stab wounds near the A63 in East Yorkshire was "extremely fortunate not to have died".

Hull Crown Court heard she was found covered in blood by passing drivers following an alleged attack by a 15-year-old boy with a samurai-style sword last year.

The defendant, who cannot be named due to his age, has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder but has pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and possessing a bladed weapon.

Forensic pathologist Dr Christopher Johnson told the court the victim suffered 10 wounds to her body, including damage to a lung and her liver.

Dr Johnson said that, in his opinion, the girl was subject to "a sustained assault with a bladed weapon".

He said the location of the injuries to her chest and abdomen meant the girl suffered a "very serious threat to her life."

Asked by prosecution barrister David Lamb KC about marks on the girl's neck, he said they were probably caused by "a forceful gripping of the neck during an assault".

Defence barrister David Godfrey asked Dr Johnson if some of the girl's wounds could have other causes, such as contact with items on the ground.

He replied: "It is possible, but a slim possibility".

The jury has previously heard the girl was allegedly attacked while on a camping trip with a group of friends near the Humber Bridge on 1 November.

The prosecution said the boy claimed he was offered £20 by one of the friends to attack the girl following an argument.

The trial continues.

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