Southport Killer, sentenced to life at Liverpool Crown Court, will serve minimum 52 years

Axel Rudakubana, 18, has been sentenced today at Liverpool Crown Court.

Axel Rudakubana has today (Thursday 23rd January) been sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum fixed term of 52 years, for the murders of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice da Silva Aguiar, in Southport last year.

The trial was scheduled to commence on Monday, 20 January; however, Rudakubana pleaded guilty to all charges before proceedings began.

In addition to the murders and attempted murders, he also pleaded guilty to the production of the biological toxin ricin, downloading an Al Qaeda training manual – a terror offence, and possession of a knife.

During today’s sentencing hearing, Axel Rudakubana was removed from the courtroom after shouting over the prosecutor. 

The sentencing was carried out by Mr Justice Goose at Liverpool Crown Court, who sentenced Axel Rudakubana to life in prison, with a minimum fixed term of 52 years.

Emily Spurrell, Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, said: 

“I can’t even begin to imagine or understand the untold pain that the families of Bebe, Elsie, and Alice, have had to endure in the six months since their beautiful little girls were cruelly taken from them.

“The appalling events of last summer affected not only all those who knew and loved these children, but the entire nation. My thoughts remain with the bereaved families, all those injured and the whole community, who are continuing to process what happened in their neighbourhood.

“Whilst Monday’s early guilty plea was unexpected, we can take a small piece of solace that the families won’t be subjected to the additional trauma of reliving their devastating experience again, through the evidence presented in court.

“They, and the legacy of the three little girls, must remain at the forefront of our minds, and in our hearts, now and forever.

“This was a horrific, pre-meditated incident, planned and carried out by an evil and warped individual, who callously and systematically targeted innocent and defenceless young children, to spread as much fear and destruction as possible. 

“There is no justice that can ever heal the pain that the loved ones of Bebe, Elsie Dot and Alice are experiencing, and they will serve a life sentence of their own, one that no family should ever have to suffer, as they try to come to terms with the profound loss of those three beautiful girls for the rest of their lives.

“Whilst this sentence won’t bring an end to their heartache, I hope the knowledge that this toxic individual is likely never to be released from prison for his despicable and abhorrent actions, will in time bring them a sense of peace.  

“This is the most harrowing and disturbing case that Merseyside Police has ever had to deal with, and I would like to pay tribute to the hard-working officers and staff, whose compassion, professionalism, and relentless determination has been unwavering throughout what has been, and remains, an extensive and complex legal process…

The Statement continues:

“These senseless murders devastated our region, and I know many of us will still be feeling angry and wanting answers, and so I welcome the commitment of the Prime Minister and Home Secretary to hold a public inquiry into how these terrible events unfolded.

“For complete transparency, we must remain patient whilst this process is ongoing, and if it’s deemed that lessons must be learned from this terrible ordeal, I will seek to ensure any recommendations arising from the inquiry are actioned and delivered on.

“I will also work with the Home Secretary to make sure that if any changes in legislation are necessary to prevent future atrocities that such changes in the law are implemented as soon as possible.

“If you have been affected by this case and want to speak to someone or access support, you can contact my Victim Care Merseyside service on 0808 175 3080 or visit www.victimcaremerseyside.org.”

Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram, said:

“The sentencing today brings a sense of justice, but nothing can ever undo the heartbreak and devastation caused by last summer’s horrific attack.  

“It was an act of pure evil, targeting young girls—innocent children who should have been experiencing one of the happiest days of their young lives. This happened in Southport, but it could have been anywhere. 

“My thoughts remain with those who have endured unimaginable pain. For the survivors and the families of Alice, Bebe, and Elsie, these past months have been unspeakably difficult. As a parent myself, I cannot begin to imagine what they are going through. Today is about standing with them. 

“In the face of such horror, our community has shown extraordinary strength, compassion, and resolve. That spirit is what defines us as a region, and I know that we will ensure that the victims of this tragedy are never forgotten. 

“For those who survived and for the loved ones left behind, today is another step on a long and challenging road. But they will not face it alone.”

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