THE family of a Chorley schoolgirl stabbed 20 times in a frenzied attack have made a passionate plea for young people to stop carrying knives.

Jessica Knight’s family spoke out after her attacker Kristofer Beddar was found guilty of attempted murder and jailed for life.

And outside court Jessica’s father Richard branded Beddar a ‘coward’ and said: ”If you carry a knife in your pocket, the reason to protect yourself, that’s the wrong reason.

"You have the potential to be Kristofer Beddar.

”Kristofer Beddar has just lost his life, effectively. Don’t you be a loser."

After the case, Detective Superintendent Steve Brunskill, who led the investigation for Lancashire police, said: “This was a terrible attack on a vulnerable young schoolgirl in a public place.

”It highlights the very serious consequences of carrying knives, which Beddar admitted to doing on a daily basis.

”When I was called to that scene that evening I believed that I would be leading a murder investigation.

”It is not often I get to meet the victims of such horrific crimes but thankfully in this case I have been able to do so.

”Jess is a lovely, giggly young girl, with great determination which must have been an influencing factor in her survival.

”I would also like to thank Marion Beddar for bringing her son to the police station as soon as she suspected his involvement.

"This must have been a very difficult decision for her to make, but the right one.

”I hope that Jess is able to make as full a recovery as possible from her injuries and that she and her family can put this behind them and return to normality.”

The judge praised Gareth Crook, who found Jessica bleeding and injured, and whose intervention probably saved her life, the court heard.

Judge Russell rewarded Mr Crook with £500 out of public funds, and a second passer-by who helped, £250.

Outside court there was more praise for Mr Crook from Jessica’s parents, Jill Walmsley and Mr Knight.

”He really has been an absolute hero,” Mr Knight said.

”She was in the wrong place, but at the right time. If Gareth had not been there, there’s every chance she would not be here now.

”He saved her life. The man can walk tall.”