A CARDIFF-BORN teenager has admitted to the brutal murders of three young girls during a Taylor Swift-themed dance party in Southport. Axel Rudakubana, aged 18, pleaded guilty to three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday (Jan 19).

The tragic incident took place on July 29 last year at the Hart Space venue, where six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar were fatally stabbed. The party, meant to be a joyful celebration, descended into horror as Rudakubana unleashed a violent attack.

Rudakubana, originally from Cardiff but residing in Banks, Lancashire, also admitted to possessing a bladed article, namely a kitchen knife with a curved blade. Further charges included the production of a biological toxin, ricin, and possession of a terrorist training manual, highlighting the shocking extent of his criminal activity.

Troubled past

The court heard that Rudakubana, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, had a history of violent behaviour. Concerns about his conduct had been raised during his school years. He was excluded from Range High School in Formby after an incident involving a hockey stick and later attended a specialist school within Sefton borough, where staff remained alarmed by his aggression.

Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC told the court that Rudakubana had become increasingly withdrawn and refused to engage with psychiatrists following his arrest. While no mental health condition requiring hospitalisation was identified, his behaviour remained erratic. At court appearances, he refused to speak, often covering his face, and was seen smiling at the press before hiding behind his sweatshirt.

Family background

Rudakubana is the youngest son of a family who moved from Cardiff to Banks in 2013. His father, Alphonse Rudakubana, originally from Rwanda, relocated to the UK in 2002 following the country’s genocide. A profile of Mr Rudakubana in 2015 described him as a martial arts enthusiast and dedicated family man. Neighbours recalled the family as a “lovely couple” with two active young sons.

Despite a seemingly ordinary upbringing, Axel’s early years showed glimpses of promise. At 11 years old, he appeared in a BBC Children in Need advert, dressed as Doctor Who. The now-deleted footage showed him emerging from the Tardis in a trench coat, mimicking actor David Tennant.

Sentencing ahead

Rudakubana will be sentenced on Thursday. Mr Justice Goose informed him that a “life sentence equivalent” would be imposed for the murders. The case has left the community of Southport reeling and brought heartbreak to the families of the victims, who continue to mourn the devastating loss of their young daughters.

TOP Hywel Dda health board officials are turning a blind eye to its escalating health care failings despite pocketing six-figure salaries.

So says Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell who is calling for an urgent meeting with Hywel Dda’s chief executive, Phil Kloer.

“The Hywel Dda Health Board needs to recognise that there’s a problem with health care outcomes and care delivery, but what is it going to take for them to recognise that?” Henry Tufnell commented this week.

His comments followed an in-depth survey of 1,000 people living in Pembrokeshire which confirmed that a staggering 62% have to wait more than a week for a GP appointment.  43% have cited a lack of available appointments as their biggest challenge, while no fewer than 87% claim healthcare services have worsened in recent years.

“But it’s the real stories that show the scale of the crisis,” continued Henry Tufnell.

“I know of a cancer diagnosis that has been delayed by over a year, while ambulance waiting times can be more than 13 hours, even for urgent cases.  Critical care needs are going unmet and this is forcing patients to seek private treatment.”

Tufnell has now submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to Hywel Dda University Health Board demanding greater transparency on waiting times, service provision and a plan strategy to fix the crisis.

“Despite all the latest evidence, in addition to everything we gathered during the election campaign, there’s still no acceptance by the Board that there’s a problem,” he said.

“But it’s their responsibility to deliver health care within this county, and they’re failing.  The management is failing us here in Pembrokeshire and there’s a complete lack of transparency and accountability.  All these people sitting in management roles are being paid huge amounts of money, some bringing in six figure salaries.  But they’re failing.”

Mr Tufnell has now requested an urgent meeting with Hywel Dda chief executive Phil Kloer which is expected to take place on February 14.

THE WELSH CONSERVATIVES have extended their congratulations to President Donald J. Trump ahead of his inauguration, with Darren Millar MS urging the Welsh Labour Government to strengthen ties with the United States. The announcement has sparked controversy, with anti-racism campaigners demanding a retraction of comments made by Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan defending Trump.

Conservative endorsement

Darren Millar MS, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, stated: “I would like to extend my congratulations to President Trump on his inauguration. His return to the White House signals a conservative resurgence on the other side of the Atlantic which is welcome.”

Millar criticised Labour for what he described as undermining the UK’s “special relationship” with the US, pointing to Labour activists’ anti-Trump stance and the absence of the Prime Minister at the inauguration.

He added:
“In the interests of global peace, trade links, and economic development, deepening our ties with the incoming administration will be paramount.”

Backlash from anti-racism groups

Millar’s remarks coincide with growing calls for First Minister Eluned Morgan to apologise for comments made in November, where she expressed doubt about Trump’s alleged racism. During a BBC interview, Morgan remarked:
“I shouldn’t think he is, to be honest. There were a hell of a lot of black people and Latinos who voted for him in the election.”

This has sparked criticism from Welsh anti-racism groups, including Stand Up To Racism, Black Lives Matter, and MEND. In an open letter signed by nearly 100 campaigners, the groups condemned Morgan’s comments as “reckless,” accusing her of downplaying Trump’s history of inflammatory rhetoric.

Hussein Said, Chair of Stand Up To Racism Cardiff, stated:
“To dismiss the racism of Trump is to ignore the very real ways in which he emboldens far-right and fascist figures here in the UK. The Islamophobia and anti-migrant rhetoric they use should never be legitimised.”

The letter also highlighted Trump’s divisive policies, such as the Muslim travel ban and mass deportation plans, which they argue are antithetical to human rights.

Royal visit speculation

Meanwhile, Downing Street has hinted at a possible royal visit to the US to cement the UK-US “special relationship.” A government source said:
“Donald Trump has a clear affinity for the royal family. A royal tour to the US would help reinforce the special relationship.”

The meeting could coincide with America’s 250th Independence Day celebrations, where Trump has pledged to host “the best of all time” events.

Divided opinions in Wales

Trump’s inauguration has reignited debates in Wales over the UK’s relationship with the US under his leadership. While some, like Millar, see an opportunity to rebuild transatlantic ties, others warn against legitimising what they view as a divisive and dangerous administration.

The Herald will continue to follow the implications of these developments for Wales.