Axel Rudakubana pleads guilty to murdering three young girls in Southport knife attack

Rudakubana, of Banks, Lancashire, was to stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday charged with 16 offences, including three counts of murder.

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 attack, admitted their murders as well as the attempted murder of eight other children, class instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes.

Mr Justice Goose said Rudakubana will be sentenced on Thursday.

The judge said to him: “You have now pleaded guilty to this indictment and to each of the charges upon it.

“The next stage is sentence. That will take place on Thursday at 11am.”

He told Rudakubana to keep in touch with barristers and added: “You will understand it is inevitable the sentence to be imposed upon you will mean a life sentence equivalent will be imposed upon you.

“I will have to complete the sentencing process on that on that occasion.”

Rudakubana also admitted to the 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 terrorism offence relates to a PDF file entitled Military Studies In The Jihad Against The Tyrants, The Al Qaeda Training Manual which he is said to have possessed between August 29, 2021 and July 30, 2024.

Ricin, a deadly poison, and the document were found during searches of the home on Old School Close which he shared with his parents, who are originally from Rwanda.

The attack in Southport has not been declared a terrorist incident despite the discovery of the document, Merseyside Police said last year.

It is understood that Rudakubana showed violent behaviour while in high school with teachers highlighting concerns about his behaviour.

The teenager, who is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, is believed to have left Range High School in Formby in around 2019, before moving to a specialist school where they expressed concern about Rudakubana’s behaviour and his violence towards others.

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At his first appearance at Liverpool Crown Court, Deanna Heer KC, prosecuting, said it was understood Rudakubana had been unwilling to leave the house and communicate with his family for a period of time.

She said: “He was seen by the psychiatrists at the police station but refused to engage with them.”

The court was told he had no obvious evidence of mental health disorder which required diversion to hospital.

Ursula Doyle, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor with CPS Mersey-Cheshire, said: “Axel Rudakubana has today pleaded guilty to the murder of Elsie Dot Stancombe, Bebe King, and Alice da Silva Aguiar – as well as the attempted murder of ten others – including Leanne Lucas and John Hayes.

“This was an unspeakable attack – one which left an enduring mark on our community and the nation for its savagery and senselessness.

“At the start of the school holidays, a day which should have been one of carefree innocence; of children enjoying a dance workshop and making friendship bracelets, became a scene of the darkest horror as Axel Rudakubana carried out his meticulously planned rampage.

“It is clear that this was a young man with a sickening and sustained interest in death and violence. He has shown no sign of remorse.

“The prosecution was determined to prove his guilt and I am deeply grateful that today’s plea has spared the families at the heart of this case the pain of having to relive their ordeal through a trial.

“Today, our thoughts are with all those whose lives were altered by what happened on that day.

“Most of all, we think of Elsie, Bebe, and Alice – the three beautiful young girls whose lives were cut short – and wish strength and courage to the families who loved and cherished them.”