AXEL RUDAKUBANA, 18, of Cardiff, was removed from the dock at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday (Jan 23) after launching a shocking outburst during his sentencing for the premeditated murders of three young girls. The court heard harrowing details of his attack, which took place during a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop at The Hart Space in Southport on July 29, 2024. The victims, Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were fatally stabbed in the horrific incident.

Rudakubana, dressed in a grey tracksuit and surgical mask, entered the courtroom at 11:45am and immediately placed his head between his knees. He refused to confirm his name when asked. Minutes into the proceedings, he began shouting and was ordered to leave. His outbursts included claims of illness, stating: “I am not fit, I am ill. I need a paramedic.”

Despite his protests, Mr Justice Goose confirmed that paramedics had assessed the defendant and found him fit for sentencing. Defence barrister Stanley Reiz KC informed the court that Rudakubana had not eaten for days and complained of chest pains, but the judge proceeded after Rudakubana’s removal.

The Attack: Premeditation and violence

The court heard the murders were part of a calculated plan by Rudakubana, who had purchased a kitchen knife with a 20cm blade on July 13, 2024, using a VPN to hide his identity. On the day of the attack, he travelled by taxi to the event, armed with the knife. Dashcam footage revealed him asking for directions to The Hart Space before leaving the taxi without paying.

Upon entering the dance studio, where 26 children and two adults were present, he immediately began his rampage, targeting children as they tried to flee. Prosecution barrister Deanna Heer KC detailed the chilling moments, saying, “Screams were heard within 30 seconds of his entry. Many of the wounds inflicted were to the victims’ backs as they attempted to escape.”

Ms Heer described the stabbings as “sadistic in nature,” with several injuries indicating the use of severe force. Rudakubana killed three children and injured 13 others, including instructor Leanne Lucas, 35, and businessman Jonathan Hayes, 63.

Victims and families

The parents of the three young girls were present in court but requested that details of their children’s injuries not be reported. In a statement released by Merseyside Police, the families of Alice, Bebe, and Elsie asked for respect and privacy.

Instructor Leanne Lucas sustained life-threatening injuries, including multiple stab wounds to her neck and back. She underwent emergency surgery after suffering significant blood loss. Jonathan Hayes was stabbed in the leg and required surgical repair.

Disturbing evidence uncovered

Searches of Rudakubana’s home in Banks, Lancashire, revealed disturbing materials. Officers found documents on genocide, weapons, and terror manuals, including The Al-Qaeda Training Manual, which he had downloaded multiple times since 2021. The manual included instructions on knife attacks and ricin production.

In his bedroom, police discovered castor beans and equipment used to produce ricin, a deadly toxin. Though evidence suggested the toxin was never used, forensic analysis confirmed that he had created a crude preparation capable of lethal doses.

Other items recovered included a machete, arrows, and a black holdall. In the weeks leading up to the attack, Rudakubana had also researched violent content and purchased weapons online, taking steps to disguise his activities.

A window Into a disturbed mind

Ms Heer told the court, “The material found on his devices provides a window into the defendant’s mind. It shows a fascination with extreme violence and killings.” Evidence included cached images from websites, videos of violent acts, and searches for content related to mass stabbings.

While in custody, Rudakubana made chilling comments, saying: “I’m glad those kids are dead. It’s a good thing they are dead.”

Courtroom outbursts

Throughout the proceedings, Rudakubana disrupted the court with repeated outbursts. After being removed once, he was allowed to return but again shouted for medical attention, leading to his second removal. The judge reassured the public gallery that paramedics had deemed him fit to attend.

Conclusion

The sentencing hearing continues as families, survivors, and the public await the final judgment. The case has shocked the nation, with many struggling to comprehend the calculated nature of the attack and the scale of the tragedy.

Pictured above: Axel Rudakubana being transported to Liverpool Crown Court (Pic: Liverpool Echo)

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have said they are investigating a series of burglaries that occurred in the St Clears, Narberth, and Haverfordwest areas on 22 January 2025. The incidents, which police believe are linked, have resulted in property damage and the theft of valuable items including cash, jewellery, and power tools.

Detective Inspector Owen Lock has reassured the public that enquiries are ongoing and the force is committed to apprehending those responsible. He urged residents to report any suspicious activities, emphasising the importance of community vigilance.

“No matter how insignificant it may seem, please report all suspicious activity to police immediately, and don’t assume someone else would have notified us,” DI Lock stated.

In light of these events, police are advising residents and second-home owners to check their properties, ensure they are secure, and safeguard valuables by using protective marking and secure storage.

This recent spate of burglaries follows an attempted break-in at a flat above the Welsh Bakery in Robert Street, Milford Haven, between 18 and 20 January 2025.

The proximity in time and location suggests a possible surge in criminal activity in the region.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any concerns to Dyfed-Powys Police via their website, email, social media, or by calling 101. For those wishing to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555111 or through their website.

As investigations continue, local authorities are working to enhance community safety and prevent further incidents. Residents are advised to review their home security measures and stay informed about crime prevention strategies available on the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

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.