Sky News was presenting live from Liverpool Court (Image: Sky News)
A presenter was visibly overwhelmed with emotion and struggled to continue while covering the Axel Rudakubana sentencing.
Sarah-Jane Mee struggled to make her way through her live report three times, and had to turn away from the camera three times
The Southport murderer, , is . Upon his appearance at Liverpool Crown Court, the prosecution described the inflicted injuries as “difficult to explain as anything other than sadistic in nature”.
After composing herself, Sarah apologised for the momentary break, acknowledging the distressing nature of the events. “Right, sorry it’s just so distressing isn’t it? ,” she added, before explaining, “Look we’re here for those girls and their families so try not to get upset because it is such an important day for them and this horror that came to their door.”
Prior to becoming emotional, Sarah had detailed the scene, saying, “One of the window cleaners picked her up and carried her out of the building, screaming at the extent of her injuries. The court hears police arrived at the scene to people in a state of panic.”
Sarah Jane Mee was visibly upset as she reported on the Southpirt (Image: Sky News)
Searches of his residence revealed a chilling collection of images and papers which “demonstrated he had a longstanding obsession with violence, killing and genocide,” said the prosecutor. “His only purpose was to kill and he targeted the youngest and most vulnerable in our society.”
At 18 years of age, Rudakubana entered guilty pleas to all 16 charges on the opening day of his trial at Liverpool Crown Court this past Monday. The victimsnine year old Alice da Silva Aguiar, six year old Bebe King, and seven year old Elsie Dot Stancombetragically lost their lives in the atrocity committed at The Hart Space on a small business estate in the coastal town on July 29.
Besides admitting to the murders, the accused acknowledged attempting to murder eight more children, whose identities are protected, along with dance tutor Leanne Lucas and local entrepreneur John Hayes, reports .
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During Thursday’s hearing, Rudakubana suddenly interrupted, shouting “I feel ill! ” and was heard reiterating, “I’m not fine, I feel ill” while standing in the dock. He requested to speak with a paramedic, stating, “I need to speak to a paramedic because I feel ill. They’re not giving me any support. I feel ill.”
Additionally, Liverpool Crown Court was informed that Rudakubana had expressed, “I’m glad they’re dead” while being held in a custody suite following the tragic incident where he attacked and killed three girls with a knife at a dance class in Southport.
Viewers were quick to take to social media to share their reactions, with one viewer posting: “So awful to hear @SkyNews presenter @skysarahjane break down.. Understandable, it’s horrific…. .”
Another chimed in: “I think the Sky news presenter has just broken down. The horrors being described is unreal.”
A different user remarked: “Sky News presenter in tears. Horrendous stuff to hear.”