Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Politics
Rachael Burford

Yvette Cooper appeals for legal process to be allowed to 'take its course' ahead of Southport murder trial

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the whole country is thinking of the families of those killed in the Southport knife attack - (PA Wire)

The Home Secretary has appealed for the legal process to be allowed to “take its course” ahead of the Southport murders trial beginning on Monday.

Yvette Cooper said the whole country will be thinking of the families of those killed in the knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29.

Axel Rudakubana, 18, from Lancashire, stands trial at Liverpool Crown Court charged with the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, who died in the assault.

He is accused of the attempted murders of eight other children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, class instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes in the same incident.

(L to R) Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice da Silva Aguiar, who were killed in the attack in Southport last July (PA Media)

Ms Cooper said: "This will be a deeply traumatic and distressing time for the families of Alice, Bebe and Elsie, the survivors, and the people of Southport, and the whole country will be thinking of them.

"The most important thing for all of us is to ensure that the legal process can take its course, to respect the difficult job the court has to do, so there is a fair trial and justice can be done.

"There will be a time at the end of this trial to discuss what happened and the action needed in response to this horrific tragedy.

“But for now, and until the proceedings have concluded, the priority for all of us must be to ensure justice is done."

Rudakubana is also charged with possession of a knife on the day of the attack, production of a biological toxin - ricin - on or before July 29, and possession of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing to commit an act of terrorism.

The alleged terrorism offence relates to a PDF file entitled Military Studies In The Jihad Against The Tyrants, The Al Qaeda Training Manual.

The ricin, a deadly poison, and the document were found during searches of the home that he shared with his parents, who are originally from Rwanda.

Ms Cooper’s appeal follows the Attorney General last week warning about the risk of publishing anything which could influence the jury.

Court artist sketch of Southport stabbings suspect Axel Rudakubana appearing via video link during a preparatory hearing at Liverpool Crown Court (PA Wire)

An advisory issued on Thursday said: "While proceedings are active, the Attorney General is reminding editors, publishers and social media users that fair and accurate reporting of legal proceedings held in public in good faith is permitted.

"However, you may be at risk of being in contempt of court if you publish material or comment online that is inaccurate, unfair or involves discussion or commentary which could influence the jury's deliberations.

"This includes anything that asserts or assumes, expressly or implicitly, the guilt of Axel Rudakubana. This is due to the risk of potentially jeopardising the criminal trial."

Rudakubana has not spoken during earlier court hearings and not guilty pleas were entered on his behalf when he failed to respond after the charges were put to him.

His trial is expected to last up to four weeks

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.