Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Southport child killer removed from sentencing for disrupting court

Axel Rudakubana, 18, arrived at court claiming he felt unwell, repeatedly saying, "I’m not fine, I feel ill," and asking to speak to a paramedic.

southport-stabbing-accused-reuters

Rudakubana pleaded guilty earlier this week to killing three young girls during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport in July 2024. (Image credit: Reuters)

A teenager who murdered three young girls in Southport during a stabbing spree was removed from court on Thursday after disrupting the start of his sentencing.

Axel Rudakubana, 18, arrived at court claiming he felt unwell, repeatedly saying, "I’m not fine, I feel ill," and asking to speak to a paramedic. He told the judge, "Don’t continue," and added that he had not eaten for 10 days.


The judge informed the court that medical staff had assessed Rudakubana earlier and confirmed he was fit to attend. Media reports suggested he had been taken to hospital early in the morning, though this was not officially confirmed.

Rudakubana pleaded guilty earlier this week to killing three young girls during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport in July 2024.

He also admitted 10 counts of attempted murder, possessing a blade, producing a biological toxin, and possessing an Al-Qaeda training manual.

The court heard that after his arrest, Rudakubana said, "I’m glad they’re dead." Judge Julian Goose warned him he faced a long custodial sentence.

His previous court appearances have been marked by uncooperative behaviour, including refusing to speak or stand in court. On Monday, he muttered "guilty" to each charge.

The stabbings, which left 10 others injured, shocked the UK and led to widespread riots after false rumours spread online that Rudakubana was a Muslim asylum seeker.

Authorities confirmed he was born in Cardiff to Christian parents of Rwandan origin who came to the UK after the 1994 genocide. He lived in Banks, a village northeast of Southport.

The attack has not been classified as terrorism, but the decision has faced criticism. Prime minister Keir Starmer said on Tuesday that laws may be updated to address new forms of violent threats.


Home secratary Yvette Cooper announced a public inquiry into how police, courts, and welfare services missed multiple chances to recognise the danger Rudakubana posed.

More For You

Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less
Akshata hails Akshaya Patra’s after-school meals model during Watford visit

Akshata hails Akshaya Patra’s after-school meals model during Watford visit

AKSHATA MURTY visited a children’s charity and met pupils benefiting from its after-school meals programme, a spokesperson for the wife of former prime minister Rishi Sunak, said last Wednesday (26).

Murty, a philanthropist, visited the Akshaya Patra Foundation’s Watford kitchen, in northwest London, which was opened in 2020. It is the first international kitchen of the charity – founded in Bengaluru in 2000 – which serves 2.2 million children across India every school day.

Keep ReadingShow less
Tory MP Bob Blackman seeks Britain’s formal apology for Jallianwala massacre

Bob Blackman

Tory MP Bob Blackman seeks Britain’s formal apology for Jallianwala massacre

DAYS before the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, a Conservative MP urged the British government to acknowledge its failings and formally apologise to the people of India.

Bob Blackman, the MP for Harrow East, spoke in the Commons last Thursday (27), recalling the deadly massacre in Amritsar on April 13, 1919, when people had gathered to celebrate the Baisakhi festival, and called for an apology.

Keep ReadingShow less