Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Teenager sentenced to minimum 52 years for Southport girls' murders

The attack, described by prime minister Keir Starmer as one of the most harrowing moments in Britain's history, also left 10 others injured and led to nationwide rioting in its aftermath.

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 killed three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport was sentenced on Thursday to serve at least 52 years in prison.

The attack, described by prime minister Keir Starmer as one of the most harrowing moments in Britain's history, also left 10 others injured and led to nationwide rioting in its aftermath.


Axel Rudakubana, 18, pleaded guilty to the murders and stabbings, which took place last July in the northern English town.

Liverpool Crown Court was told that Rudakubana had a deep obsession with violence and genocide. Prosecutor Deanna Heer described the injuries inflicted on two of the girls as "difficult to explain as anything other than sadistic in nature."

Judge Julian Goose sentenced Rudakubana to a minimum of 52 years, stating that while his actions warranted a full life sentence, his age—17 at the time of the attack—made that legally impossible.

The judge said Rudakubana was unlikely ever to be released.

During the hearing, Rudakubana had to be removed from the dock twice after shouting that he was unwell. He refused to return to court to hear the sentencing.

The court was shown video footage of the attack, capturing children screaming and fleeing the building. One bloodied girl collapsed outside, prompting sobs from the courtroom's public gallery.

"He targeted us because we were women and girls, vulnerable and easy prey," said Leanne Lucas, 36, the yoga teacher who organised the event and was stabbed five times.

The victims included Bebe King, six; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, who were among the 26 children attending the event. Heer told the court that two of the victims had suffered at least 85 and 122 stab wounds each, and one appeared to have been the target of an attempted decapitation.

Following his arrest, Rudakubana reportedly told police, "I'm glad those kids are dead, it makes me happy." Materials found at his home revealed a prolonged fascination with violence, including possession of an al Qaeda training manual and production of ricin, a deadly poison.

Prosecutors stated that the murders were not deemed acts of terrorism, as they were not driven by any political or religious ideology. Heer said that while Rudakubana's devices contained material mocking various religions, the evidence suggested his primary aim was "mass murder as an end in itself."

Rudakubana had a history of violent behaviour. In 2019, he contacted a helpline asking, "What should I do if I want to kill somebody?" He was later expelled from school for repeatedly bringing a knife to campus and was arrested for attacking a pupil with a hockey stick.

Despite being referred to Prevent, a counter-radicalisation scheme, after researching school shootings and uploading violent content, no action was taken.

The government has announced a public inquiry into the case, citing "grave questions to answer."

Starmer stated: "After one of the most harrowing moments in our country's history, we owe it to these innocent young girls and all those affected to deliver the change that they deserve."

(With inputs from Reuters)

More For You

uk-energy-bill-iStock

Water bills, energy prices, and council tax are rising, while the minimum wage has also increased (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

April bill increases put financial strain on single parents

A RANGE of essential household bills are increasing from April, with Citizens Advice warning that single parents will be among the hardest hit.

Water bills, energy prices, and council tax are rising, while the minimum wage has also increased, BBC reported.

Keep ReadingShow less
Imran-Khan-Getty

Imran Khan, founder of the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, has been in jail since August 2023. (Photo: Getty)

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

FORMER Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on human rights and democracy.

The nomination was announced by members of the Pakistan World Alliance (PWA), an advocacy group formed in December, who are also part of the Norwegian political party Partiet Sentrum.

Keep ReadingShow less
starmer-immigration

Speaking at the Organised Immigration Crime Summit, Starmer said the government is working to restore order to the immigration system.

UK returns 24,000 illegal migrants since July, highest in eight years

THE UK government has returned over 24,000 individuals with no legal right to remain in the country since July, marking the highest rate of removals in eight years, prime minister Keir Starmer said on Monday.

Speaking at the Organised Immigration Crime Summit, Starmer said the government is working to restore order to the immigration system.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Trump-Getty

Trump has suggested the possibility of a 'great' trade deal that could help the UK mitigate the impact of tariffs he has pledged to introduce. (Photo: Getty Images)

Starmer, Trump talk trade deal progress in 'productive' discussion

KEIR STARMER and Donald Trump spoke on Sunday about ongoing UK-US trade negotiations, with Downing Street describing the talks as "productive."

Since leaving the European Union, the UK has been working to secure a trade agreement with the United States. Successive British governments have pursued a deal, but it has remained elusive.

Keep ReadingShow less
Myanmar-quake-rescue-Reuters

Rescuers carry the body of a victim during search and rescue operations, following a strong earthquake, in Bangkok, Thailand, March 30. (Photo: Reuters)

Myanmar earthquake death toll rises to 1,700, UK pledges £10m in aid

RESCUE efforts continued in Myanmar as residents searched for survivors in collapsed buildings in Mandalay, two days after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the country. The disaster has killed at least 1,700 people in Myanmar and 17 in neighbouring Thailand.

The quake hit near Mandalay on Friday afternoon, followed minutes later by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock. The tremors caused widespread destruction, damaging buildings, bridges, and roads in the city of more than 1.7 million people.

Keep ReadingShow less