Crime

Cardiff-born teenager admits to triple murder at Southport dance party

Published

1 year ago

January 20, 2025

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.

***Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, who died after a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class***

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Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC told the court that Rudakubana had become increasingly withdrawn and refused to engage with psychiatrists following his arrest.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.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

7 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

9 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.

Crime

Publican jailed for six years for supplying cocaine and cannabis

Published

9 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Milford Haven man sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following drug dealing operation

A MILFORD HAVEN publican has been jailed for six years after admitting supplying cocaine and cannabis.

The defendant, who previously appeared before magistrates and was remanded in custody, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following an investigation into drug dealing activity linked to the town.

The court heard that he had been involved in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, with evidence including material recovered by police and analysis of mobile phone data. Investigators said the activity had been ongoing since at least 2024.

Cocaine, a Class A drug, carries the most serious penalties under UK law, and the involvement of both cocaine and cannabis was reflected in the length of the sentence imposed.

During proceedings, the court was told that the case went beyond isolated incidents, with the defendant playing a significant role in the supply chain. The judge said the offending was serious and sustained, warranting an immediate custodial sentence.

He was sentenced to six years in prison.

The case had previously been heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where the defendant was remanded due to the seriousness of the allegations before being sent to the Crown Court for sentencing.