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Teenager Jailed for 52 Years for Killing Three Girls at Taylor Swift-Themed Event in Southport
Axel Rudakubana, an 18-year-old teenager, has been sentenced to a minimum of 52 years in prison for the brutal murders of three young girls and the stabbing of 10 others during a Taylor Swift-themed dance event on July 29, 2024.
The incident, described by Prime Minister Keir Starmer as “one of the most harrowing moments in Britain’s history,” shocked the nation and prompted days of riots across the country.
The horrific events happened at Hart Space studios in Southport, where 26 children, aged six to nine, were attending a summer vacation dance workshop organized by yoga teacher Leanne Lucas, 36. Just after 11:45 BST, Rudakubana systematically attacked the young girls, stabbing them as they sat making friendship bracelets and singing along to Taylor Swift’s music.
Among the victims were Bebe King (6), Elsie Dot Stancombe (7), and Alice da Silva Aguiar (9), who suffered fatal injuries. Prosecutor Deanna Heer revealed in court that two of the girls had sustained 122 and 85 sharp force injuries, respectively, and one appeared to have been nearly decapitated.
Video footage played in court captured harrowing scenes of children fleeing the building in terror. One child, Alice, managed to escape but collapsed on the street due to her injuries. Witnesses and family members sobbed as the footage was shown in Liverpool Crown Court.
Rudakubana was tackled and arrested at the scene by police and a bystander, window cleaner Joel Verite. Following his arrest, the teenager displayed no remorse, telling officers, “I’m glad those kids are dead. It makes me happy.”
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Julian Goose stated, “Many who have heard the evidence might describe what he did as evil. Who could dispute it? His culpability and the harm he caused and intended were at the highest.”
During the sentencing hearing on January 23, Rudakubana disrupted proceedings twice, shouting that he felt unwell and demanding medical attention.
He refused to return to the dock to hear his sentence, prompting Judge Goose to impose the 52-year minimum sentence in his absence.
Survivors and family members delivered powerful victim impact statements in court. Ms. Lucas, who was stabbed five times during the attack, said, “He targeted us because we were women and girls, vulnerable and easy prey.” She added, “For Alice, Elsie, Bebe, Heidi, and the surviving girls, I’m surviving for you.”
The mother of a seven-year-old survivor, identified as Child A, described to BBC the toll on their family, saying, “Our daughter has not only experienced the most violent, frenzied attack on her body, but she’s witnessed so much horror too. Her father has been broken by what happened.”
The court learned of Rudakubana’s history of violence and obsession with genocide and mass murder. He had contacted a child helpline in 2019, asking, “What should I do if I want to kill somebody?”
He was later expelled from school for bringing knives and was referred to the government’s Prevent counter-radicalization program. However, no significant action was taken.
Material found on Rudakubana’s computer included an al Qaeda training manual, and he admitted to producing the deadly poison ricin.
Prosecutor Heer clarified that the murders were not classified as terrorism, as Rudakubana was not motivated by any specific political or religious ideology. Instead, his actions were deemed “mass murder as an end in itself.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered condolences to the families and vowed action. “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 they deserve,” he said.
Members of the Royal Family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, privately met with victims’ families and emergency responders, commending their bravery and compassion.
The sentencing of Rudakubana has prompted the government to launch a public inquiry into the failures that allowed the attack to occur. Justice Goose concluded, “Had he been able to, he would have killed each and every child – all 26 of them.”
As Southport and the nation continue to grieve, the families of Bebe, Elsie, and Alice have expressed their gratitude to the emergency responders and leaders who supported them. “We are so thankful for their bravery, compassion, and strength, which should serve as an inspiration to everybody,” Elsie’s family said in a statement.
