LIVERPOOL, The United Kingdom – Axel Rudakubana, the 18-year-old responsible for a brutal knife attack during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 52 years.
The attack, which occurred in July last year, claimed the lives of three young girls and left eight others injured, along with two adults who attempted to intervene.
Rudakubana, who refused to appear in the dock during sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court, will likely never be released, according to Mr Justice Julian Goose.
“It is likely he will never be released and he will be in custody for all of his life,” said the judge, adding that Rudakubana’s actions were “the most extreme, shocking and serious crime.”
A 12-Minute Horror
The attack took place at the Hart Space studio, where 26 young girls were gathered around a table making bracelets before their parents were due to collect them.
CCTV footage revealed the chilling moment Rudakubana entered the studio at 11:45 a.m., armed with a 20cm knife.
Victims Bebe King (6), Elsie Dot Stancombe (7), and Alice da Silva Aguiar (9), suffered fatal injuries, with prosecutors describing the assault on two of them as “sadistic.”
Several victims were stabbed with such force that their bones were broken.
In court, the families of the victims wept as the full horror of the attack was recounted. Some relatives left the courtroom before harrowing pathological evidence was detailed.
The attacker had chased the girls as they fled, intent on causing maximum harm.
Bodycam footage from police showed the chaotic aftermath, with one officer exclaiming, “She’s dead,” as others rushed to rescue those still trapped inside.
One dance teacher, Heidi Liddle, had locked herself in a toilet with a young girl, both of them crying with fear and relief when officers arrived.
Missed Warnings and Opportunities
It has since emerged that Rudakubana’s parents contacted police four times over a six-month period two years before the attack, seeking help for their troubled son.
On one occasion, he was caught carrying a knife on a bus but was returned home with a warning to his mother to keep knives out of reach.
Rudakubana had also been referred three times to Prevent, the UK government’s anti-extremism programme, but was not deemed a threat.
Police investigations revealed that he possessed an al-Qaida training manual detailing stabbing methods, which he appeared to have emulated during the attack.
In his bedroom, authorities discovered ricin – a deadly toxin – and castor beans capable of producing 12,000 lethal doses.
While there was no evidence that the ricin had been used, its presence underscored the level of planning involved.
“Maximum Suffering”
During sentencing, Justice Goose noted the parallels between Rudakubana’s actions and terrorism.
“In my judgment, his culpability for this level of violence is equivalent to terrorism matters, whatever the motive,” he said.
The judge described Rudakubana as “determined to cause maximum suffering,” adding that the psychological impact on families and the community was “profound and permanent.”
Rudakubana, who was nine days short of his 18th birthday at the time of the attack, could not receive a whole-life order.
Instead, he will remain in prison until at least the age of 70 before he is eligible for parole.
Families Speak Out
In a statement, Elsie Dot Stancombe’s family expressed gratitude to emergency services for their “bravery, compassion and strength,” calling it an inspiration to others.
They also thanked prominent figures, including Keir Starmer, King Charles, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, for their private condolences.
Police and Prosecution Reactions
Detective Chief Inspector Jason Pye, who led the investigation, called the case “the most harrowing, large-scale investigation that our force has ever dealt with.”
He praised his team’s dedication and resilience.
Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC highlighted Rudakubana’s chilling comments following the attack, which were captured on CCTV.
“I’m so glad those kids are dead … it makes me happy,” he reportedly had said.
Looking Ahead
A public inquiry will investigate the missed opportunities to intervene in Rudakubana’s descent into violence.
Questions remain over whether systemic failures could have prevented the attack and spared the lives of three young girls.
As Southport continues to mourn, the community is left grappling with the senselessness of the tragedy and the enduring scars it has left behind.
