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Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC told the court that Rudakubana had become increasingly withdrawn and refused to engage with psychiatrists following his arrest.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

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

3 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.

The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.

The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.

Crime

Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts

Published

3 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.

The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.

Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.

She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.

Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.

The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.

The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.

In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.

Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.