Spice Girl Geri visits stabbed Jessica

9:43am Monday 28th January 2008

Spice Girl Geri Halliwell took time out of her busy schedule on Saturday night to pay a visit to Chorley stab victim Jessica Knight.

The singer, pictured right, visited 14-year-old Jessica, who was stabbed in Astley Park, Astley Village last Monday, in the Intensive Care Unit at Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury on Friday evening where she stayed for more than 30 minutes and chatted to the schoolgirl.

Although she is still sedated and in a critical but stable condition, Jessica's mum and dad said she had responded to the Spice Girl's surprise visit by moving her legs and arms.

Jessica's dad Richard Knight said: "We were delighted when Geri agreed to come and visit Jessica and she was really generous with her time.

"Although Jess is unable to speak at the moment you could tell she was really excited as she kept moving her arms and her legs as Geri was talking to her.

"She is a big Spice Girls fan and I'm sure this will help her on her road to recovery."

Kristofer William Beddar, 21, of Adlington, charged with the attempted murder of Jessica appeared at Chorley Magistrates Court on Friday and has been remanded in custody until his preliminary hearing set for next Monday, February 4 at Preston Crown Court.

The Frenchman moved from Melun, France to live with his mother in Chorley in May 2007.

Police are asking people to come forward if they know Beddar, who speaks with a distinct French accent, and they have any information that may assist the investigation.

Appeals are also being made to anyone who may have seen him walking from the direction of Astley Village towards Adlington on the evening of January 21.

Det Supt Steve Brunskill, who is leading the investigation, said: "The fact that we have charged someone in relation to this offence does not mean our inquiry is at an end and I would like to renew my appeal for anyone with information to come forward."

Anyone with information should contact police at the incident room in Chorley on 01257 246272 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.