Crime
Cardiff-born Axel Rudakubana faces sentencing for triple murder

AXEL RUDAKUBANA, the teenager responsible for the horrific murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport last July, is being sentenced today at Liverpool Crown Court.
The sentencing hearing, which began at 11:00am, follows Rudakubana’s last-minute guilty plea to 16 charges earlier this week, sparing the victims’ families the trauma of a trial.
A catalogue of violence and missed warnings
The 18-year-old, who was just 17 when he committed the murders, has admitted to killing nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and six-year-old Bebe King. The attack, which also left ten others, including eight children, with life-altering injuries, has shocked the nation and prompted questions about systemic failings.
Red flags surrounding Rudakubana’s escalating violent tendencies and extremist interests were evident as early as 2019. He was permanently expelled from Range High School in Formby after bringing a knife onto school grounds and, months later, attacking another pupil with a hockey stick.
Despite repeated referrals to the government’s anti-extremism Prevent programme for his fixation on violence, including school shootings and acts of terrorism, interventions were described as “limited.” His violent interests extended to Nazi Germany, ethnic violence, and extremist literature, including the Al Qaeda training manual found during searches of his home.
The July 29 attack

On July 29, 2024, Rudakubana launched his premeditated attack during a children’s dance class in Southport. Armed with a knife and other weapons, he murdered three innocent girls and injured multiple others. Among those targeted were class leader Leanne Lucas and bystander John Hayes, who intervened during the chaos.
Sentencing considerations

Due to his age at the time of the crimes, Rudakubana cannot receive a whole-life order, which is reserved for offenders aged 18 and older. Instead, he faces a life sentence with a minimum term likely to span decades, reflecting the exceptional seriousness of his crimes.
Legal experts suggest the unprecedented nature of this case makes the length of his sentence difficult to predict, though the scale of planning and the young ages of his victims will weigh heavily in the judge’s decision.
Remembering the victims

The families of the three girls have shared emotional tributes to their beloved daughters. Elsie Dot Stancombe’s family described her as “extraordinary” and “an amazing little girl” who brightened the lives of everyone she met.
Alice da Silva Aguiar was remembered as a “perfect dream child” with a love for animals and a strong sense of empathy. Her parents spoke of the joy she brought to their lives.
Bebe King, the youngest victim, was described as a “sweet, kind, and spirited girl” who radiated love and happiness.

A public inquiry announced
In the wake of these tragic events, the government has announced a public inquiry into the failings that allowed Rudakubana’s violent escalation to go unchecked. The inquiry will examine the role of public agencies in the case and explore the broader issues of youth violence and extremism.

Crime
Police-chase teenager remanded in custody over drug and firearm offences

A PEMBROKESHIRE teenager who was previously granted bail on drug-dealing charges has now been remanded in custody after facing additional allegations, including conspiracy to possess a firearm.
Harrison Billing, 18, of Jury Lane, Haverfordwest, had been granted bail following his arrest for possession of cocaine with intent to supply in Milford Haven on December 27, 2024.
He was also charged with possession of criminal property, relating to £925.31 in cash, and dangerous driving after a high-speed police pursuit ended with a Mercedes crashing into a house on Hamilton Terrace.
Billing initially appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on December 30, where he admitted the driving offences but was bailed pending further court proceedings. However, he has now been remanded in custody following the emergence of new, more serious allegations.
Court records show Billing has been further charged with conspiring to possess a firearm without a certificate, additional drug supply offences, and possession of a knife.
These charges, combined with the existing drug-dealing allegations, resulted in him being sent back into custody ahead of his next appearance at Swansea Crown Court.
The case continues, with Billing due to appear in court again for a plea hearing.
The Herald understands that the new charges played a significant role in the decision to revoke his bail.
Meanwhile, his co-accused, Dylan Brown, 18, of Chestnut Way, Milford Haven, remains on bail, awaiting his next hearing related to the same December 27 incident.
More updates to follow as the case develops.
Crime
Pembrokeshire dug dealer warned to expect gaol time

A MAN caught with a stash of drugs—including cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine, and ketamine—has been told to prepare for prison after admitting multiple offences.
Luke Jones, 33, of Maes Morfa, Newport, appeared at Swansea Crown Court facing ten drug-related charges.
The court heard that Jones was stopped by police while driving on the A4076 at Dredgeman Hill on June 3 last year. He was later convicted of drug-driving at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on December 3, receiving a 17-month driving ban and a one-year community order.
Jones returned to Swansea Crown Court accused of possessing 14.37 grams of cocaine with intent to supply on the same date. He also admitted possessing 41.7 grams of cannabis and 56.76 grams of cannabis resin with intent to supply, as well as 135 grams of amphetamine found at his home.
Further charges included possession of MDMA and ketamine at his address, and being concerned in the supply of cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine, and ketamine between December 7, 2023, and June 3 last year.
Jones pleaded guilty to all charges.
Judge Catherine Richards ordered a pre-sentence report but warned: “Based on what I have read so far, it is difficult to see any outcome other than immediate custody.”
Jones was granted bail and will return for sentencing on March 14.
“You should attend expecting an immediate custodial sentence,” the judge told him.
Crime
Woman ‘high on drugs’ crashes into parked cars in Milford Haven

DYFED-POWYS Police were called to Priory Road, Milford Haven, at around 10:15am on Friday (Feb 14) following reports of a collision involving three vehicles.
A 43-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs.
She has been bailed pending further inquiries.
Two vehicles parked on the side of the road, both belonging to nearby residents, were damaged in the crash.
A witness at the scene said: “I saw the woman. She was absolutely off her face, and lost control of her car. Its really lucky that no one was hurt.”
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