Southport killer Axel Rudakubana has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 52 years after murdering three young girls and stabbing several others in an act of “extreme violence” at a Taylor Swift themed dance class.
The 18-year-old was sentenced in absence after failing to return to the dock, and will now spend decades behind bars for “the most extreme, shocking and exceptionally serious crime”.
The families of the victims gave powerful statements after the attacker was removed from court for a second time.
He again shouted over the prosecutor during his sentencing, saying: “I feel really ill, I need to be seen by a paramedic.”
Rudakubana stabbed and killed the girls, aged between six and nine, with a 20cm-long kitchen knife as he ambushed a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, Merseyside.
Wearing a surgical face mask while armed with the blade, the then 17-year-old travelled five miles from his family home to the studio where he killed Alice da Silva Aguiar, Bebe King and Elsie Dot Stancombe.
As a trial was set to begin at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, the teenager pleaded guilty to the murder of the three children as well as the attempted murders of eight others.
He also admitted production of a biological toxin and possession of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing to commit an act of terrorism. He also pleaded guilty to possession of a knife.
Key Points
- Breaking: Axel Rudakubana jailed for minimum of 52 years
- Axel Rudakubana removed from court for second time after shouting
- Southport killer said ‘I’m so glad...so happy’ to police after killing children
- Screams heard as CCTV shows children running outside
- Alice’s parents say they have been dealt a ‘lifetime sentence'
- Dance instructor barricaded toilet door to keep child safe
Tory leader calls for law change to keep killer in jail for whole life
17:08 , Holly EvansTory leader Kemi Badenoch said there was a “strong case” for amending the law to allow for whole-life orders to be imposed on people aged under 18 in some cases, which “Conservatives will start to explore”.
In a post on X, she said: “Axel Rudakubana should never be released from prison. His age means he has not been given a whole-life sentence, despite the countless lives he destroyed on that dreadful day, and the legacy of mistrust he has sown across the country.
“There is a strong case here for amending the law to give clear judicial discretion to award whole-life sentences to under 18s, which Conservatives will start to explore.
My statement on the sentencing of Axel Rudakubana. pic.twitter.com/vtqtqMRpUn
— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) January 23, 2025
“My heart goes out to the victims and their families. None of us can imagine your pain and we owe you justice.”
She added that while the Government’s announcement of an inquiry was welcome it “falls short of what is needed” and insisted it was “absurd that we are debating online knife sales more than we are integration and how we safeguard our society from extreme ideologies and violence”.
The Conservatives will “challenge the Prime Minister on the task he has to ensure that those we welcome into Britain share our values, contribute positively to our society, and how we make sure this continues through multiple generations,” Ms Badenoch said.
“Keir Starmer’s statement on Monday was disappointing. He sidestepped the core issues, focusing instead on legal definitions of terrorism. By avoiding these hard truths he inadvertently politicises our response to this tragedy.”
Police officers line streets ahead of Rudakubana’s departure
17:04 , Holly EvansPolice officers lined the road outside the court as members of the public waited for Axel Rudakubana to leave following his sentencing.
Three police vans parked up at the side of the road leading to the underground van entrance of the court building.
Sentence given to Rudakubana one of the highest on record
17:00 , Holly EvansThe minimum term Axel Rudakubana must serve in custody for the Southport attack is one of the highest on record and is thought to be the longest punishment handed to a killer of his age.
Mr Justice Goose detained the 18-year-old for life with a minimum term of 52 years.
Taking into account the 175 days he has already served on remand, Liverpool Crown Court heard this meant he will be required to serve 51 years and 190 days before he can be considered for release by the Parole Board.
Manchester Arena bomber Hashem Abedi, 23, was handed a record-breaking 55-year minimum term in 2020 for 22 murders and attempted killings. The terrorist orchestrated the 2017 atrocity when he was 20.
Prior to that, the longest minimum term imposed on a terrorist in Britain is believed to have been 50 years in the case of David Copeland.
The 22-year-old was given six life sentences for targeting Brick Lane, Soho and Brixton in 1999 in a 13-day nail bombing campaign that left three people dead and 139 injured.
CCTV shows Southport killer ordering taxi to former school one week before murders
16:55 , Holly EvansSouthport MP asks Attorney General to review ‘unduly lenient’ sentence
16:55 , Holly EvansSouthport’s MP has asked the Attorney General to review Axel Rudakubana’s sentence as “unduly lenient”, saying it is “not severe enough”.
In a post on social media, Patrick Hurley said: “The sentence handed down today is not severe enough, it is not long enough for the crimes committed, we need a sentence that represents the severity of this crime that has terrorised the victims and their families.
“I have submitted a review to the Attorney General to review the sentence, the undue leniency does not reflect the crimes committed and a review is required to uphold public confidence in our justice system.”
Killer has ‘shown no signs of remorse’
16:51 , Holly EvansVicki Evans, senior national co-ordinator for Prevent and Pursue at Counter Terrorism Policing, said: “The perpetrator has shown no signs of remorse. He has not explained the motivation of his actions. And we have found no evidence to date that explains why he chose to attack those children or that event.
“The absence of evidence of a motivation means that these acts have not met the legal definition of terrorism. But, to be clear, that does not make the horrendous acts any less terrifying or terrorising for those impacted and the whole community.
“In the same way, we must now consider how we work together in the future to tackle this challenge of individuals who are fixated with all types of extreme violence, both within and beyond the counter terrorism system.
“The perpetrator had contact with a range of services, including the counter terrorism Prevent system.
“Following these attacks, we have worked rapidly with the Home Office to commission a review of this contact and we welcome the announcement of a public inquiry which will examine all services’ previous contact with him.
“The same determination that we put to the investigation is now being applied to examining how the range of agencies involved did not come together to effectively understand and identify and deal with the risk that he posed.”
Dashcam footage from the taxi shows killer entering dance class
16:48 , Holly Evans
Pictured: The weapons kept by killer at his family home in Lancashire
16:43 , Holly Evans
Why wasn’t Southport killer Axel Rudakubana given a whole-life order?
16:40 , Holly EvansSouthport killer Axel Rudakubana been jailed for a minimum of 52 years after pleading guilty to murdering three young girls in a frenzied knife attack last year.
Rudakubana, 18, stabbed and killed the girls aged between six and nine with a 20cm-long kitchen knife as he ambushed a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, Merseyside.
Sir Keir Starmer vowed the attack would be a “line in the sand” for Britain while announcing a public inquiry into the atrocity after the killer admitted to 16 offences.
However, despite the lengthy sentence Rudakubana was not given a whole life order. The Independent takes a look at what one is below, and why the killer has avoided one.
Read the full article here:
Why wasn’t Southport killer Axel Rudakubana given a whole-life order?
In pictures: Ricin and safety goggles found in Rudakubana’s bedroom
16:38 , Holly EvansMerseyside Police have released images of the dangerous items in Axel Rudakubana’s possession, which includes the toxin ricin which was discovered in his bedroom.
Rudakubana had ‘twisted and unhealthy’ obsession with violence
16:34 , Holly EvansChief Constable of Merseyside Police Serena Kennedy said: “Today Axel Rudakubana has been sentenced for his cowardly and vicious attack on the young girls who had gathered at Hart Space on July 29, 2024, to have some fun in their school holidays.
“They had come together for a Taylor Swift-themed morning to enjoy dancing, singing and making friendship bracelets in honour of their idol.
“Those girls – who range in age from six to 13 – were the polar opposite of a calculating teenager who carried out the harrowing and atrocious, pre-meditated attack.
“The victims were enjoying a day of youthful innocence untainted by twisted and unhealthy fascination with violence that drove Axel Rudakubana to carry out the atrocities he’d planned in the day’s leading up to July 29. His terrifying attack resulted in the deaths of Bebe, Elsie and Alice.
“According to prosecution counsel today, two of those children suffered particularly horrific injuries, which can only be only describe as sadistic in nature. He also attempted to kill eight other children as they escaped, and two adults and traumatised the remaining children who had managed to escape physically unharmed.
“Since his arrest he has shown no remorse for his actions.”
Family members held hands and hugged as sentence announced
16:28 , Holly EvansSome family members could be heard to take an audible breath as the sentence was announced.
Relatives held hands and hugged each other but remained silent as the judge announced the remaining sentences.
Breaking: Axel Rudakubana jailed for minimum of 52 years
16:26 , Holly EvansAxel Rudakubana, 18, has been detained at Liverpool Crown Court for life with a minimum term of 52 years for the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and the attempted murder of eight other children in Southport.
Judge ‘must accept’ no evidence of a terrorist cause
16:22 , Holly EvansMr Justice Goose has said he “must accept” that there was no evidence Axel Rudakubana had any terrorist cause, but added his culpability is “equivalent to terrorist matters, whatever its purpose”.
He said that after some of the injured girls escaped he “returned to continue his sustained and brutal violence against two of the youngest of those children, stabbing them multiple times.”
He said: “That demonstrates how determined he was to cause the maximum suffering he could”.
Rudakubana likely to never be released, says judge
16:19 , Amy-Clare MartinMr Justice Goose says he will impose a life sentence with a “very substantial” minimum term “which will mean that he will serve almost the whole of his life in custody”.
“I consider it is very likely he will never be released and will spend his whole life in custody,” he said.
Families will ‘never recover’ from deaths of three young girls
16:18 , Holly EvansMr Justice Goose said: “I have read each of the victim personal statements and many have been read out to the court.
“They are all deeply moving. The harm Rudakubana has caused to each family, each child and to the community has been profound and permanent.
“For the families of Elsie, Bebe and Alice, they will never recover from what happened to their daughters.
“For those children and adults he attempted to murder their lives will never be the same.”
He added: “In just 15 minutes, Rudakubana murdered three children and attempted to murder eight other children and two adults.
“He was prevented from murdering more only by the escape of other children.”
Judge says killer had ‘settled determination’ to carry out mass murder of young girls
16:14 , Holly EvansMr Justice Goose said on the day of the attack there were 26 children at the event, “all of whom were happy and enjoying themselves”.
He said Rudakubana targeted these children for the “horrific extreme violence he was intent upon”.
“At 11.45am he arrived, walked into the building up the stairs where he could hear the sound of happy children, in his mind with the intention to murder as many of them as he physically could.
“He wanted to try and carry out mass murder of innocent, happy young girls.”
The judge said: “It was such extreme violence… it is difficult to comprehend why it was done.
“I am sure Rudakubana had the settled determination to carry out these offences and had he been able to, he would have killed each and every child – all 26 of them.”
Judge begins sentencing
16:10 , Holly EvansMr Justice Goose has begun his sentencing remarks.
He said: “Many who have heard the evidence summarised by the prosecution in this hearing and have seen CCTV played with a view outside of the building might describe what he did as evil.
“Who would dispute it?
“But, at any view it was at least the most extreme, shocking and exceptionally serious crime.”
He outlined the injuries suffered by the children.
Axel Rudakubana is being sentenced in absence after failing to return to the dock.
Court heard ‘something changed’ in killer at the age of 13
16:05 , Holly EvansHis defence lawyer Mr Reiz said: “What we have in the evidence in this case are detailed records from his school and those compiled by other organisation who have had contact with the defendant once he started to exhibit signs of deviant thinking.
“Those records confirm that he had difficulties with social communications and interaction in-line with his diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, but the available evidence demonstrates that his time at primary school, and indeed during the first two years of secondary school, were unremarkable.
“Something changed in him when he reached the age of 13.”
Girl stabbed is now ‘self-conscious’ of her scar and in state of paranoia
16:00 , Holly EvansThe mother of two girls who survived the attack said the day “changed our lives as a family forever”.
In a statement read in court by prosecutor Deanna Heer KC, the woman said: “This was meant to be a fun summer event and the girls couldn’t wait to take part. It was a normal day, like any other, it didn’t cross our minds that we should be worried about anything happening to them.
“They both love Taylor Swift and were looking forward to spending time with their friends and the teachers.
“The whole day feels so surreal, like a blur. It was the worst day of our lives. Both our daughters suffered horrendous injuries at the hands of this one person.”
The woman said one of her daughters now has “a complete lack of confidence” and has become “severely self-conscious of her scar”.
“She tries her best to wear her scars with pride, however I have caught her crying about the way she looks and she asks me why this has happened to her,” the statement read.
She said the girls “are unable to be left alone for even a matter of minutes” since the attack and are “in a state of paranoia constantly”.
The woman said: “As parents, we feel helpless, we feel guilty. We have to live with the guilt that we sent our children to that event on that day, which will now impact them for the rest of their life … trust has broken between us and our children, they constantly question us about whether they are going to be safe. It feels as though they blame us for taking them there that day.”
She added: “(The girls) are worried that this man will walk the streets again. This is something they constantly speak about and it petrifies them.”
No psychiatric evidence before court, defence says
15:59 , Holly EvansStan Reiz KC, defending, told the court: “For offences of such wickedness, the mitigation that I can meaningfully advance on behalf of the defendant is limited.”
Mr Reiz said: “There is no psychiatric evidence before the court that could suggest that a mental disorder contributed to the defendant’s actions.
“However, he did make a transition from a normal, well-disciplined child to someone who was capable of committing acts of such shocking and senseless violence.”
Survivor thought was attack was ‘prank’ before being stabbed
15:51 , Holly EvansA victim statement was also read from the first child Rudakubana stabbed as he launched his attack.
The girl, aged 10 at the time of the attack, said: “I first thought that the man who stabbed me was a cleaner and when I saw him and what was happening I thought it was a prank.
“I realised it wasn’t a prank when I saw blood coming out of me. I remember everything being fuzzy and everything that was going through my mind was about my family and friends.
“I was thinking, ‘I don’t want to die, I have got to get out of here’.
“When I was outside of the building I was thinking what am I going to do as my phone was inside … I had so much blood coming out of me and I was trying to scream, but I was struggling to scream.
“Mum was screaming, I remember everything that happened with the paramedic and then going to hospital in the air ambulance.
“I was holding my mum’s hand and I just felt heavy and sick. My entire body was in pain.”
The child had to have her spleen removed and skin grafts and now suffers from continuous nightmares.
Father of one survivor was unable to recognise her due to injuries
15:39 , Holly EvansIn a statement, the parents of one of the injured girls said her father was unable to recognise her when he went to pick her up from the dance class because she was so badly injured.
They said: “This is one of many, many moments that tortures both of us.”
They said she was taken to Alder Hey Hospital.
They said: “She woke up still trying to grab onto her best friend. Still trying to escape him. Still trying to run.”
The parents said she told them she had thought Rudakubana was playing a prank and told him she “didn’t want to play”, but he attacked her.
They said: “Our daughter has not only experienced the most violent, frenzied attack on her body, but she’s witnessed so much horror too.
“Her entire childhood has been destroyed by what she experienced and although she survived, she now has to carry that with her for the rest of her life.”
Actions of Rudakubana ‘beyond contempt’ for targeting vulnerable girls
15:34 , Holly EvansElsie’s mother continued: “The nature of your actions is beyond contempt. You deliberately chose that place, fully aware that there would be no parents present, fully aware that those girls were vulnerable and unable to protect themselves.
“This was not an act of impulse, it was premeditated. You chose that place, that time and those circumstances, knowing that when we arrived all we would see was the aftermath of the devastation caused.
“We were robbed of the opportunity to protect our girls. If we had been there, this would never have happened and the outcome would have been vastly different.
She added: “Though you have stolen our daughter from us, you will not take away our determination to honour her memory, we will carry her love, positivity and her legacy forward, no matter how much pain you have caused.”
Elsie Dot Stancombe’s mother says his actions are those of a ‘coward'
15:33 , Amy-Clare MartinThe heartbroken mother of seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe said the attack which claimed her daughter’s life was “pure evil”.“What you did was not only cruel and pure evil; it was the act of a coward,” she said in a victim impact statement.
Jenny Stancombe refused to give Rudakubana “the satisfaction” of hearing what he has taken from them.
“We will not let you know anything about her because you don’t deserve to know the extraordinary person she was,” she said.
“You know what you have done, and we hope the weight of that knowledge haunts you every single day.”
Second dance teacher says she ‘doesn’t feel safe in her own home'
15:28 , Holly EvansA statement from Heidi Liddle, one of the class’s instructors, said she “felt completely helpless” after the attack because she “didn’t know how many children were hurt or where they were”.
In a statement read in court by prosecutor Deanna Heer KC, Ms Liddle said: “I felt isolated from everyone as I felt like I couldn’t leave my home. I was in tears constantly and didn’t feel safe in my own home.”
She went on to say: “The only time I left the house in the coming weeks was to go and see Leanne and the girls at hospital or to attend the funerals of the three girls, which was heartbreaking.
“I replayed the incident over and over in my mind, changing the sequence of events so that myself and the little girl I was with in the toilet, were stabbed and killed.
“I struggled with everyday things, like letting the dogs out, doing any activity that involved me being hunched over, such as hoovering, drying my hair and putting my daughter to bed in her cot, as I envisioned him coming behind me and stabbing me in the back.”
Parents in ‘state of permanent numbness’ without daughter Alice
15:25 , Holly EvansAlexandra and Sergio Aguiar said in their statement: “Living without Alice is not living at all. It’s a state of permanent numbness.
“We can’t see her picture and videos, they take us back to a time when we were so happy and now we’re in constant pain.
“We have her clothes, her teddies and other belongings. We’ll keep them safe and often hug them when we miss Alice.
“We also have the cat to hug. Alice’s cat. Niko misses her so much. We all do and will miss our perfect baby girl forever.”
Alice’s parents say they have been dealt a ‘lifetime sentence'
15:17 , Holly EvansAlexandra and Sergio Aguiar said in their statement that Alice woke up on the day she died excited about the dance workshop and with a plan for playing at a friend’s in the pool later.
They said: “It was a perfect plan for a perfect day.”
They continued: “In a matter of minutes our worlds were shattered and turned upside down by the devastating attack on our Alice.
“A pin drop that changed our lives forever.
“We kept our hopes up every second during Alice’s 14-hour fight. But, once she had lost her fight, we lost our lives.”
Mr and Mrs Aguiar said: “Our life went with her. He took us too. Six months of continuous pain and a lifetime sentence. That’s what we got then and the life we live now.
“Our dream girl has been taken away in such a horrible, undeserving way that it shattered our souls.”
Alice da Silva Aguiar’s parents say they are stuck in a 5D horror movie
15:14 , Holly EvansIn a statement read by prosecutors, Alice’s parents, Alexandra and Sergio Aguiar, said: “We were so lucky and privileged to have her.
“Every day felt like a gift.
“Alice was a beautiful girl, perfect in every day – she loved her school, her friends, music, dance, colourful pens and friendship bracelets.
“She loved Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and Sabrina Carpenter.”
They added that she was going to be surprised with a trip to Disneyland that year, and had woken up “really excited” to go to the dance class where she was killed.
“It feels like we’re stuck in a 5D horror movie with moving pictures and moments being relived. We can’t get out. Some moments are easier than others but every day is the same. Alice is not here when we wake up and she never will be,” they said.
“There’s a sense of loss of foundation too. Alice was our purpose for living.”
Survivor, 14, calls killer a ‘coward’ as she recalls him attacking defenceless children
15:06 , Holly EvansA 14-year-old girl who survived the attack, and cannot be named for legal reasons, told the court how the “day turned into a living nightmare”.
The teen, who attended with her sister and was stabbed in the arm and back, said the sunny day at the event turned into a “living nightmare”.
Reading her statement via video link, she said: “The beginning of my nightmare started when I saw you. I thought you were playing a joke. I saw you in your green hoody and face mask. The thing I remember most about you is your eyes. You didn’t look human, you looked possessed.”
She recalled watching him in “slow motion” stab her in the arm, before he continued to stab her in the back before she managed to make it out on to the stairs in a “blind panic”.
Describing the aftermath of the attack, the girl became emotional as she said: “Physically I’ve healed but my scars remain as a reminder of what you did to me, to us all. My sister and I are lucky we got to come home. Your actions mean that Alice, Bebe and Elsie didn’t.
“No sane person could do that. It’s sickening what you did, going in there knowing you’re going into a room full of defenceless children.
“Give me a reason for what you did. Arming yourself with a weapon and stabbing children. I hope you spend the rest of your like knowing we think you’re a coward.”
Defendant stopped by father from visiting school days after attack on children
14:57 , Holly EvansEarlier, Ms Heer told the court about an incident which occurred just days before the fatal stabbing, when the defendant booked a taxi in the name of Simon to take him to The Range High School.
When it arrived outside his house, the defendant got into the rear seat, wearing a green hooded top with the hood up and a surgical mask. He had a rucksack with him.
Ms Heer continued: “On this occasion, however, it seems that he was spotted by his father. As the car was about to set off, the defendant’s father ran out of the house and pleaded with the driver not to take him.
“There was an argument, but eventually the defendant got out of the car and returned to the house.
“It is unlikely to be a coincidence that this was the last day of term, with students due to leave the school premises at 12.30pm for the summer.
“The court may infer that this was an earlier attempt to commit offences similar to those he was to carry out at The Hart Space a week later.”
Dance teacher Leanne Lucas details traumatic impact of attack
14:51 , Holly EvansReading her victim impact statement to the court, class instructor Leanne Lucas said: “As a 36-year-old woman, I cannot stay in my own home alone.
“As a 36-year-old woman I cannot go to work.
“As a 36-year-old woman I cannot walk down the street without holding my breath as I bypass a person and then glance back to see if they’ve attempted to stab me.
“As a 36-year-old woman I cannot enter a public place without considering how I will get out in the event of an emergency.
“As a 36-year-old woman I cannot give myself compassion or accept praise, as how can I live knowing I survived when children died.”
Ms Lucas concluded her statement by saying: “The trauma of being both a victim and a witness has been horrendous.
“There are times when I will spiral into trauma and the effect this has had on those close to me is unforgivable. The impact this has had on me can be summed up by one word: trauma.
“He targeted us because we were women and girls, vulnerable and easy prey. To discover that he had always set out to hurt the vulnerable is beyond comprehensible.
“For Alice, Elsie, Bebe… and the surviving girls, I’m surviving for you.”
'Our daughter is everything that Axel Rudakabana is not. She is our hero,’ says father of survivor
14:47 , Amy-Clare MartinA father, who cannot be named for legal reasons, fought back tears as he read out a victim impact statement from his daughter, who was just nine when she was caught up in the attack.
“It has been very hard to deal with what happened to me at Hart Space,” she said. “I struggle with my emotions, and I have scars that I know will be with me forever, but I want to look forward.
“When people in school asked me “do you wish you weren’t there that day?” I said that, in some ways, I wish I wasn’t, but also, if I wasn’t there, someone else would have been stabbed and they could have died, so I’m glad I might have stopped someone else getting hurt.”
The father added: “These are not the words that any little girl, who just liked yoga and making bracelets, should ever need to say. Her words both horrify us and make us immeasurably proud.
“Our daughter is strong. Our daughter is positive. Our daughter is brave. Our daughter is beautiful. Our daughter loves and is loved. Our daughter sees the best in everyone.
“Our daughter is everything that Axel Rudakabana is not. She is our hero.”
Killer admitted to taking a knife to school on 10 occasions
14:45 , Holly EvansMs Heer said a referral was made to the police, who visited Rudakubana.
She said: “To them he confirmed that he had indeed taken a knife to school and added that he thought he would use it if he became angry.
“The school was informed. By this time, the defendant had been temporarily excluded.
“But he has admitted taking a knife to school on about 10 occasions, when he did so the school made his exclusion permanent.”
Ms Heer said referrals were made to the Multi-Agency Safeguard Hub (MASH), the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) and social services.
She said that on October 17 2019 the defendant was enrolled at The Acorns School, Ormskirk, which is a Pupil Referral Unit.
During his admission meeting, he was asked why he had taken a knife to school. He replied, “To use it”.
Three referrals to Prevent made after killer researched school shootings and Colonel Gaddafi
14:44 , Holly EvansThe court heard following this incident, The Acorns School refused to have Axel Rudakubana on the premises and instead sent schoolwork home for him to complete. He did not do so, however.
Prosecutor Deanna Heer said in July 2020 he returned to school under two to one supervision.
In February 2021 he was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and in April 2021 he received a formal education and healthcare plan (EHCP).
During this period, three referrals were made to Prevent:– In November 2019 a referral was made because the defendant had been researching school shootings during an information technology class.– In February 2021 a referral was made following reports that he had uploaded to Instagram two images of Colonel Gadaffi.– In April 2021 a referral was made because he had been found researching the London Bridge terror attack.
Teenager told police he ‘wanted to stab someone’ in 2022
14:42 , Holly EvansLiverpool Crown Court heard that following reports of incidents at home, the defendant stopped attending school in May 2021.
Later, in March 2022, a place was found for him at Presfield High School, but he did not attend.
Ms Heer said: “On March 17 2022 he was reported missing. He was found by the police in possession of a small kitchen knife. He said that he wanted to stab someone so that he would get into trouble and his Tik Tok account, which contained embarrassing videos that he was unable to delete, would be closed down by the police.
“”He said he had also thought about poisoning people and/or had tried to make poison for the same reason.”
Rudakubana used hockey stick to attack another pupil
14:40 , Holly EvansAxel Rudakubana has previous convictions for assault, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a bladed article over an incident at his old school, Liverpool Crown Court heard.
The prosecutor said on 11 December 2019, the defendant booked a taxi to take him to The Range High School, where he used a hockey stick to attack another pupil.
When the police were called, a kitchen knife was found in his backpack.
He was charged with and pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a bladed article and a referral order was imposed.
Violent images of dead bodies, beheadings and rape found on his devices
14:40 , Holly EvansOfficers found violent content on Axel Rudakubana’s devices including images of dead bodies, victims of torture, beheadings, cartoons depicting killing, violence and rape or which insulted or mocked different religions, including Islam, Judaism and Christianity, Liverpool Crown Court heard.
Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC said there were numerous images relating to different wars and international conflicts, including in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Korea, Iraq and the Balkans.
The court heard a number of documents were found which also related to war, weapons and genocide.
These included documents called “A concise history of Nazi Germany,” “Death and survival during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda,” and “Examination of punishments dealt to slave rebels in two 18th Century British Plantation Societies”.
Killer contacted Childline to ask advice on killing a fellow pupil
14:39 , Amy-Clare MartinOn 4 October 2019, Rudakubana contacted Childline and asked: “What should I do if I want to kill somebody?”
In the days that followed he explained that he hated someone at school who bullied him.
“He felt angry and wanted to kill them,” Ms Heer said. “He said he had taken a knife to school but would only use it if the person really annoyed him.”
A referral was made to police and his school, where he was temporarily excluded, was informed.
When he admitted taking a knife to school on about 10 previous occasions, his exclusion was made permanent, the court heard.
Rudakubana had document on ‘how to carry out a knife attack’
14:36 , Holly EvansPolice found a document called “Military studies in the Jihad against Tyrants: The Al-Qaeda Training Manual” on a tablet belonging to the defendant, the court heard.
Ms Heer said of particular relevance were; a passage referring to assassination and mass murder; a section called “Assassinations Using Cold Steel: A: Assassinating with a Knife” which gave advice on where the “enemy” should be struck in order to kill; and “Assassinations with Poison,” which gave information on the production of ricin and explained that it is considered one of the most deadly poisons.
The prosecutor said: “The manual had been downloaded on three occasions in 2021, meaning that it was already in the defendant’s possession when he purchased the castor beans from which he produced the ricin in early 2022. If that is right, then he clearly knew just how deadly a substance it was before he produced it.
“Furthermore, by the time he went to The Hart Space in 2024, the defendant was in possession of instructions in the manual on how to carry out a knife attack with lethal force.”
Killer had 150 castor beans that could create five lethal doses of ricin
14:35 , Amy-Clare MartinExperts said 150 castor beans obtained by the killer were capable of creating up to five lethal doses of the biological toxin ricin if ingested.
If the beans were further purified, the quantity could produce 1,528 – 7,614 lethal doses by injection or 2,547 – 12,690 lethal doses by inhalation, the court heard.
A quantity of ricin was found in a plastic container under his bed, but none was used in the attack at Hart Space or at any other time.
Merseyside Police urge social media users not to post graphic details
14:34 , Holly EvansMerseyside Police has urged social media users not to post graphic details of the Southport victims’ injuries.
The force said: “We are aware of social media posts online detailing the injuries sustained by the girls who died and those injured in the attack in Southport on 29 July 2024.
“The families of the little girls specifically asked that those details not be reported.
“The families of Bebe, Alice and Elsie and of all those affected in the tragedy have faced unimaginable grief and trauma in the months since the attacks, and do not need their suffering compounded by reckless posts on social media.
“Please do not post or share detailed accounts of the injuries they sustained. Thank you.”
We are aware of social media posts online detailing the injuries sustained by the girls who died and those injured in the attack in Southport on 29 July 2024.
— Merseyside Police (@MerseyPolice) January 23, 2025
The families of the little girls specifically asked that those details not be reported.
The families of Bebe, Alice and… pic.twitter.com/KlP3Lu2oyW
Machete and arrows discovered in bedroom
14:30 , Holly EvansMs Heer said those searching Rudakubana’s bedroom also found a machete in a scabbard and a set of arrows to be used with a bow-and-arrow.
She said it appeared the defendant had been sleeping in the living room, where a second kitchen knife was found which was identical to the one the defendant took to The Hart Space.
The prosecutor said Rudakubana bought this from Amazon on the same occasion.
A quantity of bottles with matches attached to the necks were also found in the living room.
Dangerous toxin ricin discovered under killer’s bed
14:28 , Holly EvansA search of Rudakubana’s home in Old School Close, Banks, soon came to a halt when officers found a container of a material they suspected to be ricin under his bed, the court heard.
Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC said: “Due to the risk to public health, the search was halted until specialist protective equipment was available.”
When it was taken to the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down, Dr Pearce, an expert in chemical and biological warfare agents, concluded the container did indeed contain “actively toxic ricin pulp” which had been produced using equipment found in the defendant’s bedroom.
Evidence from Amazon suggests the defendant purchased the equipment in early 2022, Ms Heer said.
The court heard exposure to ricin – a naturally-occurring toxin – could result in death as a result of multi-organ failure and/or acute respiratory distress.
“There is no antidote (for ricin poisoning) and only a very small amount of it may be deadly,” Ms Heer said.
Dr Pearce concluded that equipment in Rudakubana’s bedroom “had been used to make a crude preparation of ricin in sufficient quantities to be lethal”, Ms Heer said.
“There is no evidence that the ricin produced was ever used either during this attack or at any other time,” she added.
Triple killer removed from court for second time after shouting
14:24 , Amy-Clare MartinRudakubana has been removed from the court for a second time after he started shouting over proceedings again.
He interrupted prosecutor Deanna Heer KC a few minutes after proceedings resumed, shouting: “Judge, judge I feel really ill I need to be seen by a paramedic.”
Mr Justice Goose ordered him from the dock and told the hearing Rudakubana has been seen by two teams of paramedics “who deem he’s fit”.
Rudakubana was assessed as fit to to be detained and interviewed after attack
14:23 , Holly EvansDeanna Heer KC said the defendant’s blood-covered knife was recovered from the landing where he was arrested.
She said that two pathologists concluded that “this weapon was capable of causing all the stab wounds inflicted in this case”.
The prosecutor said Rudakubana made no reply to the caution when he was initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and then, soon afterwards, on suspicion of murder.
He was assessed by psychiatrists in the cells who found him fit to be detained and interviewed.
But Ms Heer said Rudakubana remained silent when he was interviewed.
‘I’m glad those kids are dead, it makes me happy,’ killer told police
14:18 , Amy-Clare MartinAfter his arrest at 11.59am, Rudakubana was taken to Copy Lane custody suite where he was assessed by psychiatrists, who found no evidence to warrant diversion under the Mental Health Act and found him fit to be detained and interviewed.
He remained silent in police interview. However whilst in custody, he made a number of “unsolicited comments” which were recorded on CCTV or noted down at the time, Ms Heer told the court.
In the shocking comments he appeared to gloat over his ferocious attack, saying: “I’m glad those kids are dead, it makes me happy.”
He also said: “I don’t care, I’m feeling neutral,” and “so happy, six years old. It’s a good thing they are dead, yeah.”
Axel Rudakubana has returned to the dock
14:14 , Amy-Clare MartinRudakubana has returned to the dock after he was removed before lunch.
He is sitting with his head bowed in front of four dock officers.
Court resumes
14:13 , Holly EvansThe court is back from its lunch break and proceedings are beginning again.
We are expecting to hear more from the prosecution, before listening to Rudakubana’s defence team and from the families of victims.
Amazon driver handed knife used in Southport murders to adult ‘visibly over 25’
14:12 , Holly EvansThe Amazon driver who delivered the knife used in the Southport murders handed the package to an adult who was “visibly over 25 years old”, the retailer has said.
Southport murderer Axel Rudakubana used a knife that he bought from Amazon when he was still 17 to kill three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, Merseyside, in July last year.
The sale of knives with a fixed blade of more than three inches long to under-18s is illegal in England and Wales, with retailers facing fines or prosecution if they breach the law.
Amazon continues to list what appears to be the same knife used by Rudakubana – a Cerbera Apollo chef knife with a 20cm blade – for £1.70.
A note on the listing says that age verification is required to order the knife.
The note reads: “This product is not for sale to people under the age of 18 and will require an online age verification check. To confirm the recipient is over 18, valid photographic ID with a date of birth may also be required upon delivery. The driver will input your year of birth into their device and may then require an ID check to complete the age verification process.”
Court sketch shows moment Rudakubana shouted from the dock
14:02 , Holly EvansA court sketch shows the moment Axel Rudakubana shouted from the dock as proceedings got underway.
As the prosecution started setting out details of the case, he began shouting that he had not eaten for 10 days and needed a paramedic.
Change law so future killers could be jailed for life, says Southport MP
13:51 , Jane DaltonThe MP for Southport says the law should be changed to allow for whole-life sentences in cases like that of Axel Rudakubana.
Rudakubana, who is due to be sentenced today for the murders of three girls in the town, is not expected to receive a whole-life order because he was under 18 when he carried out the attack last summer.
Patrick Hurley, the Labour MP for Southport, told BBC Radio 4’s The World at One: “There appears to be no reason, no rationale, that I can accept that he would not be treated as an adult for the purposes of sentencing here, and if that’s not going to be the case, then I would like to see the law changed to make it the case.”
Mr Hurley earlier said the news coming out of the court was “absolutely appalling” and said Rudakubana had shown “utter disrespect to the families” of victims because of his behaviour in court.
Sky News reporter Sarah-Jane Mee breaks down in tears
13:46 , Jane Dalton
Sky News reporter breaks down in tears reading Southport killings evidence
Killer hid identity online to buy murder weapon
13:36 , Jane DaltonThe killer hid his identity online to buy the knife he used to attack the children, Liverpool Crown Court heard.
Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC said: “He had with him a kitchen knife with a 20cm-long blade, manufactured by Apollo Cerbera.”
She added: “It was one of two identical knives he had purchased from Amazon on July 13 2024, taking steps to hide his identity when he did so by using a virtual private network (VPN), which encrypts personal data.”
Court adjourns for lunch
13:14 , Holly EvansMr Justice Goose adjourned the case until 2pm.
He said: “I’d like to receive, not in open court, but an update on what’s happened so far as the defendant is concerned.”
Two paramedics came into the dock with officers as evidence was being heard.
Prosecution detail injuries sustained by children who survived
13:10 , Holly EvansThe court has now heard of injuries sustained by children who survived the attack, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
Many suffered multiple stab wounds and were rushed to hospital in life-threatening conditions and required surgery.
Dance teacher Leanne Lucas, who was 35, was taken to the Aintree University Hospital in a life threatening condition and required an urgent transfusion “due to major blood loss”.
Police say killer was not taken to hospital before hearing
13:06 , Holly EvansIt was earlier reported that Axel Rudakubana had been taken to hospital this morning ahead of his sentencing.
The police have just confirmed this was not the case and he was not taken to an external hospital. The Times have reported that he was taken to the prison hospital after requiring medical attention.
Earlier in his sentencing, the 18-year-old was removed from the dock after shouting across the prosecutor, saying that he was “ill” and needed to see a paramedic.
Alice Da Silva Aguiar pronounced dead in hospital
13:04 , Holly EvansThe court heard that Alice Da Silva Aguiar, aged nine, managed to escape the building alive after being attacked by Rudakubana.
She was assessed by a paramedic outside and rushed to hospital with severe injuries.
She was sadly pronounced dead at 01.20am the following morning.
Alice’s father held his head in his hands in the public gallery as details of her injuries were read out.All three victims cause of death was recorded as multiple stab wounds, the court heard.
Bebe King and Elsie Dot Stancombe pronounced dead at the scene
12:56 , Holly EvansWarning: Distressing content below
The court heard that Rudakubana had used a “severe degree of force” in inflicting injuries, with 13 people stabbed.
Elsie Dot Stancombe was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering multiple stab wounds.
The prosecutor said: “In the opinion of the pathologist, her injuries were untreatable however quickly emergency help would have arrived.”
Bebe King was also pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 1pm, after also suffering 122 sharp force injuries.
Sky News presenter breaks down describing evidence
12:47 , Sam RkainaSky News presenter Sarah-Jane Mee became choked with emotion as she described the distressing evidence from court on live coverage.
The sentencing hearing has been told how Rudakubana carried out his deadly attack, as people at the scene screamed in horror.
While reporting the latest updates live on camera outside the court, Ms Mee paused before tearfully explaining that the details were very distressing.
Footage shown of killer being arrested by police
12:44 , Holly EvansCCTV showed police arriving and a member of the public telling them: “You need a f****** gun mate, he’s got a knife.”
Bodyworn footage showed officers enter the building and tell Rudakubana to drop the knife. They tackle him to the floor and arrest him.
A further clip showed police finding Heidi Liddle and a child in the toilet, sobbing.
The police officer tells Ms Liddle: “Listen, listen, listen, you’re safe.”
A picture of the knife used by Rudakubana was shown to the court.
Young girl seen screaming in terror on CCTV after attack at dance class
12:41 , Holly EvansSome members of the public gallery were given the opportunity to leave the court before harrowing CCTV of the attack were played to court.
Girls could be seen screaming in terror as they fled the studio into the carpark, some injured.
Some climbed into a waiting mother’s car, while others ran out into the street.
Shortly afterwards, one girl was seen trying to escape, before being pulled back inside the studio by Rudakubana. Later, the girl, dressed in summer shorts and a strappy top, was seen stumbling out of the door with visible wounds, clinging to a wall for support before she collapsed on the floor.
Members of the public sobbed in court as the footage was played.
Screams heard as CCTV shows children running outside
12:37 , Holly EvansThe taxi drives alongside Rudakubana with the driver asking: “Are you paying?” The driver threatened to call the police.
Rudakubana is seen trying the door of the Hart Space, then knocking on it. He then goes up a stairwell to the side.
Minutes later screams can be heard and CCTV shows children running outside. Families were in tears as the video was played.
Deanna Heer KC paused to allow families a chance to leave court, but all remained seated.
Clip shows taxi driver chasing Rudakubana after he exits without paying
12:35 , Holly EvansA floor plan was shown which showed where the children were in the studio, gathered around two tables. A cardboard cutout of Taylor Swift was also pointed out on the plan.
Footage of Axel Rudakubana in the taxi arriving was played to the court. He was heard asking the driver where 34a Hart Street was.
The driver points in the direction of the building and then asks if Rudakubana is paying with cash or card.
Rudakubana leaves the vehicle without paying.
Another clip showed the driver shouting “oi” as the defendant walks away and then follow him, saying: “You paying or what?”
Rudakubana walks away from the vehicle.
Family members remain in court for CCTV
12:30 , Holly EvansFamily members were given the option to leave court ahead of CCTV being played, but all remained in the court.
The court was shown a picture of Axel Rudakubana in the clothes he was wearing on the day, a green hooded jumper and surgical mask.
An aerial picture of the location was shown and the area where the defendant was dropped off in a taxi was pointed out.
Images of the car park outside the studio were also shown.
Police officer found Rudakubana with a large kitchen knife
12:27 , Holly EvansMs Heer said that Sergeant Gillespie was the first officer on the scene at 11.57am when he found “a large crowd of people in a state of complete panic”.
He entered Hart Space accompanied by acting Sergeant Holden who had his Taser drawn.
The prosecutor said: “At the top of the stairs they found the defendant standing over the body of Bebe King who had visible and severe stab injuries.
“He was holding a large, bloodied, kitchen knife, which he dropped when told to do so.”
Tears in court as family members hear details of 29 July
12:25 , Holly EvansMembers of the public gallery were in tears as the events of 29 July were described to the court.
Relatives had their heads in their hands and wiped their eyes with tissues.
Sobs could be heard from the public gallery.
Bebe King and Elsie Dot Stancombe found inside Hart Space building
12:25 , Holly EvansMs Heer told the court: “Joel Verite, who had followed the police into the building, picked up Bebe King and carried her out of the building, screaming as he did so.
“In the studio itself, PS Gillespie found the body of Elsie Dot Stancombe, lying on her back on the floor. It was obvious that she was dead.”
She said soon afterwards, Heidi Liddle and a child she helped were found hiding in the toilet.
“Crying with fear and relief, they were escorted from the building,” Ms Heer said.
Man who rushed to help stabbed in the leg by Rudakubana
12:24 , Holly EvansMs Heer continued: “Jonathan Hayes was at work at Calculus Holdings, an office located across the landing from the dance studio when he heard screaming and looked out of the window to see some children running across the car park.”
The prosecutor added: “At this, he left his desk intending to go outside to help.
“As he walked onto the landing, however, he saw the body of a child, lying motionless on the floor.”
Ms Heer said the child was believed to be Bebe King.
She said: “Crouching over her was the defendant who then began to approach him, following him into his office as he retreated.
“The defendant swiped at him with a knife, which he tried to grab.
“During the confrontation, the defendant stabbed him in the leg and he fell to the ground, shouting for help.
“His colleague chased the defendant out of the office and shut the door.”
Two window cleaners saw teacher screaming ‘someone was stabbing the kids’
12:23 , Holly EvansThe court heard two window cleaners, Marcin Tyjon and Joel Verite, were driving along Hart Street when they saw a group of children running across the road and a woman, Leanne Lucas, covered in blood.
Ms Heer said: “She was screaming that someone was stabbing the kids. He could see that she was injured and that there was a child lying on the ground further along the road.”
Outside in the car park, Mr Verite picked up Alice Da Silva Aguiar and took her into the street where CPR was given on the instructions of a 999 operator.
Second teacher barricaded toilet door to keep child safe
12:21 , Amy-Clare MartinMs Heer told the court: “Heidi Liddle was sitting on the floor helping the children to make bracelets when she heard screaming.
“She saw the defendant move swiftly across the room. She describes him as lunging through the children, but it was only when he stabbed Leanne that Heidi began to register what was happening.
“She tried to pull Leanne Lucas away and then started pushing the children towards the exit.
“One of the girls… ran towards the toilet on the landing at the top of the stairs.
“Heidi Liddle followed her inside, locked the door and braced her foot against it. She told (the girl) to remain very quiet, not to make a sound.
“Outside, they could hear children screaming, and then the door rattled.
“When she heard voices outside the door crying for the defendant to stop she realised that not all of the children had managed to escape”
Dance teacher realised his actions after feeling ‘knife going into her back'
12:20 , Holly EvansThe court heard how screams began 30 seconds after Rudakubana entered the Hart Space studio at 11.45am.
At first, class teacher Leanne Lucas thought he was there to collect a child when he entered the first-floor studio, where children were gathered around tables making bracelets and singing along to Taylor Swift songs.
He quickly moved through the room targeting children, but Leanne only realised what he was doing when she “felt the knife going into her back”.
She quickly told the children to run and followed them downstairs into the carpark.
Outside she told them to “run away, run away”, Ms Heer said.
Leanne Lucas saw killer outside as children made bracelets
12:19 , Holly EvansMs Heer continued: “The footage shows that, at about 11.45 the defendant entered The Hart Space and went upstairs towards the studio in which the dance event was taking place.
“Within 30 seconds, screams can be heard coming from within, followed by children fleeing from the building.
“At the time the defendant entered the building, all the children were in the first floor studio, together with Leanne Lucas and Heidi Liddle, where they were gathered around the tables making bracelets and singing along to Taylor Swift songs.
“Because of the heat, Leanne Lucas went to open a window. As she did so, she recalls seeing the defendant outside but thought nothing of it.”
No 10 refuses to comment on whole-life sentences for under 18 offenders
12:17 , Holly EvansDowning Street declined to comment on calls for whole-life sentences to be extended to cover offenders under the age of 18.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “The thoughts of the Prime Minister and, obviously, the whole country will be with families and everyone impacted by this horrific tragedy today as they relive the trauma of what’s happened, and the whole country stands with them and the people of Southport who have shown such strength and courage in the face of unimaginable horror.
“Given court proceedings are ongoing I’m not going to provide further commentary, including on sentencing, which is a matter for judges.”
Second opinion of doctor sought by medical staff for Rudakubana
12:15 , Holly EvansAn officer entered the dock several minutes after Rudakubana had left court.
He said: “Medical staff have seen Rudakubana. They are happy with his state of fitness but would like a second opinion from a doctor.”
Mr Justice Goose said: “That can continue whilst we continue with proceedings.”
Teenager searched up Sydney church stabbing before carrying out massacre
12:12 , Holly EvansMs Heer said: “At 11.04 he used his Lenovo tablet to carry out a search on X, that’s Twitter, for ‘mar mari emmanuel stabbing’.
“The same search term was entered by a police officer during the course of this investigation, he found that it led to posts containing actual footage of the stabbing of Bishop Emmanuel and five others during a sermon at a church in Sydney in April the same year.”
Killer booked taxi under the name of ‘Simon’ after buying knives on Amazon
12:11 , Holly EvansProsecutor Deanna Heer KC said evidence obtained from Axel Rudakubana’s laptop showed that, shortly before he left the house on the morning of his attack, he deleted his internet browsing history.
“Having left the address, the defendant booked a taxi to collect him and take him to 34a Hart Street, the address of The Hart Space where the Taylor Swift event was in full flow. The booking was made in the name, “Simon”.
She continued: “He had with him a kitchen knife with a 20cm-long blade, manufactured by Apollo Cerbera.
“It was one of two identical knives he had purchased from Amazon on the 13th July 2024, taking steps to hide his identity when he did so by using a virtual private network (VPN), which encrypts personal data.”
Family member shouts ‘coward’ as killer led from the dock
12:10 , Holly EvansOne family member shouted “coward” as Axel Rudakubana left the dock after Mr Justice Goose ordered officers to take him out of court.
Other relatives shook their heads as he left. Rudakubana had been shouting: “It’s not my fault, I feel ill.”
He repeatedly shouted for a paramedic.
When the judge tried to carry on with the case, Rudakubana shouted: “Don’t continue.” He was then told to leave the dock.
Mr Justice Goose said he would be brought back in to be sentenced later in the day.
The prosecution opening continued in his absence.
Rudakubana removed from dock after shouting over sentencing hearing
12:06 , Amy-Clare MartinWhile the prosecution opening is ongoing, Rudakbuana has begun shouting over Ms Heer KC.
Stanley Reiz KC defending said: “He has not eaten for a number of days, He has drunk very little over that period of time.
“There was concern about his ability to be in a high pressure situation.”
Mr Justice Goose said he had been reassured Rudakubana was fit to attend and the court would continue until 1pm when there would be a break.
Rudakubana shouted: “I can’t remain quiet. I haven’t eaten for 10 days. I feel ill. I’m not going to remain quiet.”
He has now been removed from the dock.
Killer said ‘I’m so glad...so happy’ to police after killing children
12:05 , Holly EvansProsecutor Deanna Heer KC told Axel Rudakubana’s sentencing: “Having researched atrocities committed by others, the evidence suggests that he set out to emulate them on the 29 July. There is no evidence that he ascribed to any particular political or religious ideology; he wasn’t fighting for a cause.
“His only purpose was to kill, and he targeted the youngest, most vulnerable in order to spread the greatest level of fear and outrage, which he succeeded in doing.
“Whilst under arrest at the police station after the incident, Axel Rudakubana was heard to say, “It’s a good thing those children are dead… I’m so glad… so happy’.”
Search of computer found his ‘long standing obsession with violence’
12:04 , Holly EvansMs Heer told the court: “On his computer devices a large number of images and documents were found which demonstrated that he had a long standing obsession with violence, killing and genocide.
“Amongst those documents was a version of the Al-Qaeda training manual, which provides instruction on how to commit acts of terror, including with a knife and with poisons, including ricin.
“When his (Rudakubana) home was searched following his arrest, a number of weapons were recovered including the biological toxin ricin which the defendant had produced in his bedroom.”
Rudakubana carried out ‘pre-meditated’ attack leaving ‘sadistic’ injuries
12:03 , Holly EvansSouthport killer Axel Rudakubana carried out a “pre-meditated, planned knife attack upon multiple victims, principally young girls, intending to kill them,” his sentencing hearing has been told.
Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC told Liverpool Crown Court: “Three children were killed, two of whom suffered particularly horrific injuries which are difficult to explain as anything other than sadistic in nature; and the defendant attempted to kill 10 others, inflicting a number of stab wounds upon them, including to their backs as they tried to escape.”
Southport killer asks to speak to a paramedic due to feeling ‘ill'
12:02 , Holly EvansSouthport killer Axel Rudakubana turned to a dock officer as the opening note was read at his sentencing and said: “I’m not fine, I feel ill.”
He shouted repeatedly: “I need to speak to a paramedic, I feel ill.”
He added: “You’re not giving me any support judge, I feel ill.”
Rudakubana appears in dock
11:51 , Amy-Clare MartinAxel Rudakubana has taken his seat in the dock, just minutes after it emerged he was rushed to hospital in the early hours of this morning.
He is wearing a grey prison issue tracksuit and surgical facemask and is sitting with his head bowed, in front of four dock officers.
He did not respond when asked to confirm his identity.
Mr Justice Goose has taken his seat and the hearing is about to begin.
Families of victims take their seats in the courtroom
11:47 , Amy-Clare MartinFamilies of some of the victims are seated in the courtroom as we wait for Axel Rudakubana’s sentencing to begin.
Every seat is filled with police, legal teams, victim’s families and waiting members of the press.
Further media are watching proceedings from an overflow courtroom elsewhere in the building.
Rudakubana has not entered yet entered the dock.
No reason yet given for delay in sentencing
11:44 , Holly EvansThere has been a delay in the sentencing of Axel Rudakubana at Liverpool Crown Court which was due to start at 11am.
No reason for the delay has been given.
A prison van believed to have Rudakubana inside was pictured arriving at court earlier on Thursday.
Watch: Southport killer arrives at court for murder sentencing
11:36 , Holly EvansHearing slightly delayed
11:19 , Holly EvansProceedings at Liverpool Crown Court are slightly delayed as the court continues to allocate people their seats.
Axel Rudakubana has arrived at court in a prison van accompanied by a police escort.
Sentencing to begin shortly
11:11 , Holly EvansThe sentencing of Axel Rudakubana is due to begin shortly at Liverpool Crown Court.
Our crime correspondent Amy-Clare Martin will be bringing you all the latest updates as we hear from the prosecution and the defence team.
As a reminder, this page will contain distressing details.
Prison van believed to be carrying Axel Rudakubana arrives
10:51 , Holly EvansA prison van believed to contain Axel Rudakubana arriving at Liverpool Crown Court for his sentencing after he admitted the murders of three girls at a dance class in Southport.
What are the 16 charges against Rudakubana?
09:59 , Holly EvansIn a shock admission on Monday, which was meant to be the first day of his trial, Axel Rudakubana pleaded guilty to all of the 16 charges he was facing.
They were:
- Three counts of murder for three girls on 29 July 2024: Alice da Silva Aguiar, aged nine; Bebe King, six; and seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe
- The attempted murder of 10 people on the same day: they include eight children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and two adults - dance instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes
- Possession of a knife which he used to carry out the stabbings
- Production of a biological toxin, ricin, which was found at his home address
- Possession of terrorist material - namely a PDF file entitled Military Studies In The Jihad Against The Tyrants, The Al Qaeda Training Manual - which he had between 29 August 2021 and 30 July 2024
