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Axel Rudakubana pleads guilty to murder of three young girls after Southport attack

Home> News> UK News

Updated 12:09 20 Jan 2025 GMTPublished 11:43 20 Jan 2025 GMT

Axel Rudakubana pleads guilty to murder of three young girls after Southport attack

The 18-year-old was charged with murdering three young girls in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class

Olivia Burke

Olivia Burke

Featured Image Credit: PA/Elizabeth Cook

Topics: Crime, Taylor Swift, UK News, Terrorism

Olivia Burke
Olivia Burke

Olivia is a journalist at LADbible Group with more than five years of experience and has worked for a number of top publishers, including News UK. She also enjoys writing food reviews (as well as the eating part). She is a stereotypical reality TV addict, but still finds time for a serious documentary.

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@livburke_

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The 18-year-old charged with murdering three young girls in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport has pleaded guilty.

On the first day of trial at Liverpool Crown Court, Axel Rudakubana, 18, entered the guilty pleas.

He was charged with the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, who died in the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at The Hart Space shortly before midday on 29 July.

Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice da Silva Aguiar (PA)
Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice da Silva Aguiar (PA)

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Rudakubana is accused of the attempted murders of eight other children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, class instructor Leanne Lucas, and businessman John Hayes in the same incident.

Cardiff-born Rudakubana was charged with 16 offences, including three counts of murder, and will be sentenced on Thursday.

As well as pleading guilty to possession of a knife, he also admitted production of a biological toxin, ricin, on or before 29 July, 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 possessed between August 29, 2021 and July 30, 2024.

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

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This comes after Alice’s parents issued an emotional tribute at the funeral service and said: “A good girl, with strong values and kind nature.

The 18-year-old was charged with murdering three young girls in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class (PA/Elizabeth Cook)
The 18-year-old was charged with murdering three young girls in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class (PA/Elizabeth Cook)

“A lover of animals and an environmentalist in the making. You moved our world with your confidence and empathy. Playful, energetic, friendly and always so respectful.”

Bebe King's mother and father said she had been 'taken from us in an unimaginable act of violence that has left our hearts broken beyond repair'.

“Our beloved Bebe, only six years old, was full of joy, light and love, and she will always remain in our hearts as the sweet, kind and spirited girl we adore,” they said.

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Their older daughter witnessed the attack but managed to escape.

“She has shown such incredible strength and courage, and we are so proud of her,” her parents said.

Elsie’s parents, Jenni and David, also issued a heartfelt tribute to their daughter, a 'devoted Swiftie' who 'brought light, love and joy to so many lives'.

“Elsie spent every day just simply enjoying life with determination, persistence, love and kindness,” they said.

“Elsie was an amazing little girl. She had the ability to light up any room that she entered, she was truly unforgettable.”

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Additional words by Anish Vij.

  • Southport attack suspect Axel Rudakubana has not guilty pleas entered over three murder charges
  • Southport attack suspect Axel Rudakubana charged with terror offence and producing deadly poison ricin
  • Keir Starmer announces new police measures to tackle violent disorder after Southport stabbings
  • 17-year-old boy charged with murders of three young girls in Southport named as Axel Rudakubana

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