AXEL RUDAKUBANA, the teenager responsible for the horrific murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport last July, is being sentenced today at Liverpool Crown Court.
The sentencing hearing, which began at 11:00am, follows Rudakubana’s last-minute guilty plea to 16 charges earlier this week, sparing the victims’ families the trauma of a trial.
A catalogue of violence and missed warnings
The 18-year-old, who was just 17 when he committed the murders, has admitted to killing nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and six-year-old Bebe King. The attack, which also left ten others, including eight children, with life-altering injuries, has shocked the nation and prompted questions about systemic failings.
Red flags surrounding Rudakubana’s escalating violent tendencies and extremist interests were evident as early as 2019. He was permanently expelled from Range High School in Formby after bringing a knife onto school grounds and, months later, attacking another pupil with a hockey stick.
Despite repeated referrals to the government’s anti-extremism Prevent programme for his fixation on violence, including school shootings and acts of terrorism, interventions were described as “limited.” His violent interests extended to Nazi Germany, ethnic violence, and extremist literature, including the Al Qaeda training manual found during searches of his home.
The July 29 attack

On July 29, 2024, Rudakubana launched his premeditated attack during a children’s dance class in Southport. Armed with a knife and other weapons, he murdered three innocent girls and injured multiple others. Among those targeted were class leader Leanne Lucas and bystander John Hayes, who intervened during the chaos.
Sentencing considerations

Due to his age at the time of the crimes, Rudakubana cannot receive a whole-life order, which is reserved for offenders aged 18 and older. Instead, he faces a life sentence with a minimum term likely to span decades, reflecting the exceptional seriousness of his crimes.
Legal experts suggest the unprecedented nature of this case makes the length of his sentence difficult to predict, though the scale of planning and the young ages of his victims will weigh heavily in the judge’s decision.
Remembering the victims

The families of the three girls have shared emotional tributes to their beloved daughters. Elsie Dot Stancombe’s family described her as “extraordinary” and “an amazing little girl” who brightened the lives of everyone she met.
Alice da Silva Aguiar was remembered as a “perfect dream child” with a love for animals and a strong sense of empathy. Her parents spoke of the joy she brought to their lives.
Bebe King, the youngest victim, was described as a “sweet, kind, and spirited girl” who radiated love and happiness.

A public inquiry announced
In the wake of these tragic events, the government has announced a public inquiry into the failings that allowed Rudakubana’s violent escalation to go unchecked. The inquiry will examine the role of public agencies in the case and explore the broader issues of youth violence and extremism.
