Axel Rudakubana, 18, has pleaded guilty on the first day of his trial at Liverpool Crown Court to murdering three young girls in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. The brutal killings of Bebe King, six, Elise Dot Stancombe, Seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, shocked the nation to its core on July 29 last year.
Rudakubana also pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of eight other children and to the attempted murder of Leanne Lucas and Jonathan Hayes. Mr Justice Goose has ordered Rudakubana be sentenced later this week.
He has also pleaded guilty to having a kitchen knife in a public place at Liverpool Crown Court. He also admitted to the production of a biological toxin, ricin, and possession of a document likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism, namely a PDF file titled Military Studies in the Jihad against Tyrants: The Al-Qaeda Training Manual.
Rudakubana remained seated in the dock as he entered guilty pleas. The defendant, who had an intermediary with him in the dock, wore a grey tracksuit and a surgical mask.
He did not stand when asked to by the court clerk and judge after entering court and did not reply when he was asked to confirm his name. Stan Reiz KC, defending, approached the dock to speak to the defendant and Rudakubana nodded in response to him.
Mr Reiz confirmed there was no dispute that the defendant was Rudakubana and he could hear what was being said. Judge Mr Justice Goose said: “And he is choosing not to speak?”
Mr Reiz said: “Yes, my lord.” He then asked for the indictment to be put to the defendant again.
Rudakubana was escorted to a cell after Justice Goose advised him to stay in touch with his barristers, solicitors and intermediary. The judge said: “Axel Rudakubana you can hear me I know. You have now pleaded guilty to this indictment to each of the charges upon it. The next stage is for sentence.
"That will take place on Thursday. In the meantime you must keep in touch with your barristers, solicitors and the intermediary in order for you to receive any advice or assistance.
“You will understand it's inevitable that a life sentence will be imposed upon you. In the meantime, you go with the officers and be produced at that hearing at 11 o'clock on Thursday. Take him down.”
The hearing concluded with Justice Goose telling the court he believed Rudakubana's family were not present because they were under the impression the trial would open tomorrow. He said: "I am conscious that family members are not here today. I assume because it was anticipated that the opening would be tomorrow.”
Deanna Heer KC, for the prosecution, said: “I think we had all anticipated that.”
Sentencing for the trial is expected to take place in the same court on Thursday.
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