Everything that happened in court as Southport child-killer Axel Rudakubana admits murders

The 18-year old accused of murdering three girls at a dance class in Southport dramatically confessed to the attack on the first day of his trial. Axel Rudakubana, from Banks, Lancashire, was due to stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, facing 16 charges, including three counts of murder.

Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, lost their lives at the Taylor Swift-themed class in The Hart Space, on a small business park in the seaside town, just before midday on July 29. The defendant, who was 17 at the time of the attack, had pleaded not guilty but admitted to their murders as well as the attempted murders of eight other children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, alongside class instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes.

Rudakubana, who was born in Cardiff, also confessed 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.

The deadly poison ricin and the document were discovered during searches of the home in Old School Close which he shared with his parents, who are originally from Rwanda.

What happened in court

Accompanied by an intermediary, Rudakubana was dressed in a grey tracksuit and a surgical mask in court. He did not stand when prompted by the court clerk and judge upon his entrance and remained silent when asked to confirm his identity.

Then, Stan Reiz, the defence lawyer, told the judge: "I am instructed for the indictment to be put again."

As the clerk read out each of the 16 counts, Rudakubana responded with a simple "Guilty" after each one, prompting the clerk to confirm: "You wish to change your plea to guilty".

Rudakubana remained seated while entering guilty pleas to the charges.

The court was informed that the families of Rudakubana's victims were absent when he entered his guilty pleas. Mr Justice Goose said: "I am conscious of the fact the families are not here today."

Deanna Heer KC, prosecuting, explained that the families had not attended as they expected the trial to open on Tuesday.

Mr Justice Goose expressed his apologies to them, stating that "for that reason they weren’t here to hear him enter his pleas".

He said that Rudakubana, who also pleaded guilty to possession of a knife, 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. He 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.”

'A sickening interest in death'

Speaking outside court following the guilty pleas entered by Axel Rudakubana, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Ursula Doyle said: “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.”

Riots broke out after attack

Despite the discovery of a document, Merseyside Police did not declare the Southport attack a terrorist incident last year. Rudakubana was apprehended on the day of the assault and later that week charged with murder, attempted murder, and possession of a knife. Three months subsequent to the attack, he faced additional charges for producing ricin and a terror offence, although these items were discovered during police searches immediately following his arrest.

Following the Southport murders, unrest broke out nationwide, with mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers being targeted. Online misinformation circulated alleging the assailant was an asylum seeker who had come to the UK on a small boat.

The next day, thousands gathered for a peaceful vigil in Southport, but a separate protest outside a mosque escalated into violence, with missiles hurled at police and vehicles set ablaze.

Over 1,000 arrests have been made in connection with disorder across the country, leading to numerous charges and incarcerations.

Rudakubana had relocated to Banks from Cardiff about 10 years ago with his family, settling into a mid-terrace three-bedroom house in a small, newly built cul-de-sac. A local described the family as inconspicuous, noting that the father was the only one seen going to work and suggesting there were no apparent signs of trouble.

"Nobody knows them. It’s only the father who went to work who I’ve ever seen," remarked a neighbour.

In 2018, Rudakubana featured in a Doctor Who-themed advertisement for BBC Children In Need. The now-removed video depicted him exiting the Tardis clad in a trench coat and tie, emulating the series' past protagonist David Tennant.

Rudakubana first appeared in court in August, initially smiling as he entered the courtroom before covering his face with his sweatshirt for the rest of the proceedings. He has not previously spoken in court and not guilty pleas were entered on his behalf after he failed to respond when charges were put to him.