Axel Rudakubana jailed for life with minimum of 52 years after stabbing three girls to death in Southport

In the last few moments, Axel Rudakubana, who murdered three girls in a stabbing at a dance class in Southport has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 52 years.

Rudakubana, 18, pleaded guilty to the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club.

He also admitted to the attempted murder of eight other children aged between seven and 13, as well as two adults on 29th July last year.

His sentencing took place at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, however, he was not present in the courtroom after telling his lawyer he would be ‘disruptive’ during the proceedings.

The judge, Mr Justice Goose, jailed Rudakubana for life and added that if he had been 18 at the time he committed the crime, he would have received a whole-life-time, which means there is no possibility of release.

Earlier in the day, Rudakubana was asked to leave the court twice after he said he ‘felt ill’. Two paramedics deemed him fit to continue, said the judge.

He also pleaded guilty to producing ricin and possession of information useful for the purposes of terrorism.

The government has said it will lead an inquiry into how the risk posed by Rudakubana went undetected and prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has not ruled out changing the definition of terrorism.

“Today Axel Rudakubana has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 51 years for the dreadful crimes he committed on 29 July 2024 in Hart Street Southport,” said Sarah Hammond, Chief Crown Prosecutor of CPS Mersey-Cheshire.

“Firstly, I would like to take this moment to pay tribute to the victims and their families in this harrowing case.

“They have shown tremendous dignity and composure in the face of unbelievable horror.

“Many of our cases have tragedy, difficulty and trauma, but this case is one of the most harrowing that I, as the Chief Crown Prosecutor for this area, have ever come across.

“Three beautiful girls – Elsie Dot Stancombe, Bebe King, and Alice da Silva Aguiar lost their lives on a day that should have been filled with happiness.

“When Rudakubana entered the room, they were singing and making friendship bracelets. Axel Rudakubana is a murderer, and displayed unrelenting savagery as he carried out a meticulously planned rampage of murder and violence.

“His purpose was to kill and he targeted the youngest, most vulnerable, no doubt in order to spread the greatest level of fear and outrage, which he did.

“Three days ago, he pleaded guilty to all sixteen counts against him, saving the families of the victims the trauma of reliving the events of that day in a trial.

“But he has never expressed any remorse, only cowardice in his refusal to face the families whose lives he has forever changed.

“This has been an extremely difficult case for the prosecution team. They have had to work through some harrowing footage and evidence.

“I would like to thank them for their perseverance and determination to achieve justice for the victims and their families.

“This sentencing brings to an end this case, but the events of that day will leave a tragic legacy that will unfortunately endure for many years.”