Live
LIVE: Southport murderer Axel Rudakubana jailed for life with minimum of 52 years
23 January 2025, 10:06 | Updated: 23 January 2025, 16:26
Axel Rudakubana was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 52 years after pleading guilty to murdering three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport in July 2024.
Listen to this article
Loading audio...
The 18-year-old pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday. He also pleaded guilty to the attempted murders of eight children and two adults, producing a biological toxin, ricin, and the possession of an al-Qaeda training manual - a terror offence.
Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, died following the attack at the Taylor Swift-themed class in The Hart Space on a small business park in the seaside town shortly before midday on July 29.
The defendant, who was 17 at the time of the killings, admitted their murders as well as the attempted murders of eight other children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, class instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes.
Rudakubana could not be given a whole-life order because he was 17 at the time of the attack and the measures can normally only be imposed on criminals aged 21 or over. They are usually only considered for those aged 18 to 20 in exceptional circumstances.
But the judge said he expected that Rudakubana was unlikely ever to be released from prison.
Follow our live blog for updates.
WARNING: distressing content
- Southport killer Axel Rudakubana sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 52 years for murdering three girls
- He admitted murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven
- After the attack he told police "It's a good thing those children are dead... I'm so glad... so happy'."
- Rudakubana was ordered out of court for an outburst demanding to see a paramedic
Thank you for following LBC coverage of the sentencing
That concludes our live coverage of Axel Rudakubana's sentencing.
You can continue read our reporting on LBC.co.uk or on Global Player.
Home Secretary says details of Southport inquiry to come soon
Yvette Cooper said in a statement: “The whole country has been horrified beyond words by these truly horrendous, cowardly and evil crimes.
“We will always remember Bebe, Elsie and Alice, and the happiness they brought to their families in their short lives. And we will remember too the strength and bravery shown by the survivors of this horrific attack, and the astounding courage of those who rushed towards danger and undoubtedly saved many more lives.
“The police and emergency services who responded that day deserve our eternal gratitude, and we thank too the investigators and prosecutors who have worked so hard for justice, and Mr Justice Goose for presiding over these hugely difficult proceedings.
“We have vowed to get the answers the country deserves about how this horror was allowed to happen and to ensure that lessons are learned. I will set out further details of the independent public inquiry soon, but for today, all our thoughts are with the families enduring this unimaginable pain, and the example of strength and courage they have provided to us all.”
'What punishment is enough?'
Andrew Marr reflects on 52-year sentence of 'girl hating sadist' Axel Rudakubana
Caller tells Tom Swarbrick UK should bring back death penalty
'If you've committed a crime like this, you don't deserve to breathe,' says caller
Moment Rudakubana's dad stops him going to old school after buying knives
The killer's father can be seen speaking to the taxi driver through an open window before Rudakubana storms out of the car, slamming the door behind him.
He is wearing the same green hooded sweatshirt and surgical mask that he wore on the day he murdered Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven.
Reform UK calls for Director of Public Prosecutions at CPS to resign.
Party leader Nigel Farage said in a statement: "Reform UK are today calling for the Director of Public Prosecutions at the CPS to resign.
"The judge made clear in his sentencing that Alex Rudubakana had a detailed interest in genocides and massacres and that he was in possession of an Al Qaeda manual.
"This barbaric and senseless attack was clearly both political and ideological.
"Many crimes of much less severity have been declared as terrorism within 24 hours of the incident taking place.
"The British public needs to have confidence in the CPS and our police forces. Tens of millions of British citizens will find it incomprehensible how the CPS decided this was a non-terror incident and maintained that position.
"Those in positions of power have to be accountable and responsible for their actions.
"Stephen Parkinson, the Director of Public Prosecutions at CPS, should now do the right thing and resign for CPS’ negligence in this case."
Police chief condemns 'cowardly attack' - says it was 'most harrowing case' force has dealt with
Detective Chief Inspector Jason Pye condemned the 'cowardly and terrifying attack'.
He said it was "the most harrowing, large-scale investigation that our force has ever dealt with".
He thanked first responders who were confronted with "unimaginable horrors" and paid tribute to the three girls who were killed.
"I want to pay tribute to Bebe, Elsie and Alice, who will never be forgotten," he said.
"Their families, and those of all the children and adults affected, have behaved with incredible dignity and courage since that dreadful day, and our thoughts are with them today and always."
Richard Tice calls for debate on death penalty following sentencing
Speaking to LBC's Tom Swarbrick, the Reform deputy leader said: "I don't think we should be afraid of having a national debate on important big issues like this.
"I think that many people in the country would like at least a debate."
It comes after Reform MP Rupert Lowe also called for a debate on the issue.
Inside Axel Rudakubana's bedroom
Chilling photos taken by police show the Southport killer's bedroom and reveal the extent of the weapons armoury Axel Rudakubana amassed before the murders.
When police raided his home after he carried out the attack in Southport on July 29, they found knives, archery arrows and a mystery substance later found to be ricin, a biological toxin 6,000 times more poisonous than cyanide.
