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

modi-bjp-reuters

BJP supporters celebrate in New Delhi. (Photo: Reuters)

Modi's BJP wins Delhi assembly election after 27 years

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that "development had won" as his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured victory in Delhi’s local elections, ending a 27-year gap since it last controlled the capital’s legislature.

"Development has won, good governance has won," Modi said after Delhi’s former chief minister, a key opposition leader, conceded defeat.

Keep ReadingShow less
Maha-kumbh-pilgrims-reuters

Devotees arrive at the river bank to take a holy dip at Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India on January 28, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)

India says 420 million pilgrims have visited Maha Kumbh

INDIA’s government announced on Friday that more than 420 million pilgrims have taken part in ritual bathing at the Maha Kumbh, a Hindu religious festival.

Organisers say the estimate is based on artificial intelligence and surveillance cameras used to track attendance.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bird-flu-Getty

There have been 27 confirmed cases of bird flu in England and one in Scotland during the current outbreak. (Representational image: Getty Images)

England bans 'bird gatherings' to contain avian flu spread

THE GOVERNMENT has announced a ban on "bird gatherings" in England as part of efforts to contain the spread of avian influenza.

The ban, which comes into effect from midday on Monday, will apply to fairs, markets, and shows involving various bird species.

Keep ReadingShow less
Column: How much longer will Rachel Reeves stay on as chancellor?

Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves

Column: How much longer will Rachel Reeves stay on as chancellor?

THERE are a few Labour MPs who think “Rachel from accounts will be gone sooner than you think”.

She has certainly outdone Liz Truss in trashing the economy, but the prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, will be loath to sack Rachel Reeves as chancellor because his own future is tied up with hers.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bank-of-England-Getty

The BoE also revised its economic growth forecast for 2025, reducing it by half. (Photo credit: Getty Images)

Bank of England cuts rates, lowers growth outlook

THE BANK OF ENGLAND (BoE) has cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points to 4.5 per cent, with some policymakers supporting a bigger reduction to counter economic slowdown. However, the central bank signalled a cautious approach to future cuts, citing inflation concerns and global uncertainty.

The BoE also revised its economic growth forecast for 2025, reducing it by half. Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who has been advocating for faster economic growth, faces a challenge as inflation is now projected to be nearly double the 2 per cent target this year.

Keep ReadingShow less