Artist impression of Axel Rudakubana, appearing via video link at Westminster Magistrates. (Image: Julia Quenzler/SWNS)
A teenager will go on trial on Monday accused of murdering three young girls in a knife attack at a Southport dance class, a crime that horrified the nation and was followed by days of nationwide rioting.
Axel Rudakubana, of Banks in Lancashire, will stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court charged with the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine; Bebe King, six; and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; who died following the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at The Hart Space shortly before midday on July 29.
He is accused of the attempted murder of eight other children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, class instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes in the same incident.
Rudakubana is also accused of producing the deadly poison ricin and possession of an al Qaeda training manual.
British-born Rudakubana, who was 17 at the time of the incident, did not speak when asked how he pleaded at a hearing in December, so not-guilty pleas were entered by the judge, Julian Goose, on his behalf.
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What charges is Axel Rudakubana facing?
Axel Rudakubana is accused of the attempted murder of eight other children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, class instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes in the same incident.
Rudakubana is also charged with possession of a knife on the day of the attack, production of a biological toxin, ricin, on or before July 29, and possession of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing to commit an act of terrorism.
The alleged terrorism offence relates to a PDF file entitled Military Studies In The Jihad Against The Tyrants, The Al Qaeda Training Manual, which he is said to have possessed between August 29 2021 and July 30 2024.
Warning issued to media ahead of trial
Last week, the Attorney General warned about the risk of publishing anything which could influence the jury.
An advisory issued on Thursday said: “While proceedings are active, the Attorney General is reminding editors, publishers and social media users that fair and accurate reporting of legal proceedings held in public in good faith is permitted.
“However, you may be at risk of being in contempt of court if you publish material or comment online that is inaccurate, unfair or involves discussion or commentary which could influence the jury’s deliberations.
“This includes anything that asserts or assumes, expressly or implicitly, the guilt of Axel Rudakubana. This is due to the risk of potentially jeopardising the criminal trial.
“The Contempt of Court Act 1981 seeks to prevent any interference with the administration of justice and the right to a fair trial.”
Who is Axel Rudakubana?
Born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents, Rudakubana moved to Banks, near Southport, in about 2013.
Described as a quiet and clingy child, he lived with his older brother and parents.
Neighbours recall the family as friendly and active in their local community and church.
Axel is understood to have a background in musical theatre and experienced difficulty socialising.
Large police presence outside Liverpool Crown Court
A heavy police presence outside Liverpool Crown Court, where Axel Rudakubana, 18, is charged with three counts of murder, 10 attempted murders and possession of a knife, after a stabbing attack on a Taylor Swift-themed children’s holiday club class last year.
There is a heavy police presence outside Liverpool Crown Court (Image: PA)
Axel Rudakubana trial starts today
A teenager will go on trial on Monday accused of murdering three young girls in a knife attack at a Southport dance class, a crime that horrified the nation and was followed by days of nationwide rioting.
Axel Rudakubana, of Banks in Lancashire, will stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court charged with the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine; Bebe King, six; and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; who died following the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at The Hart Space shortly before midday on July 29.
He is accused of the attempted murder of eight other children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, class instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes in the same incident.
Rudakubana is also accused of producing the deadly poison ricin and possession of an al Qaeda training manual.
Home Secretary says whole country is thinking of Southport families
The Home Secretary has said the whole country is thinking of the families of those killed in the Southport knife attack.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “This will be a deeply traumatic and distressing time for the families of Alice, Bebe and Elsie, the survivors, and the people of Southport, and the whole country will be thinking of them.
“The most important thing for all of us is to ensure that the legal process can take its course, to respect the difficult job the court has to do, so there is a fair trial and justice can be done.
“There will be a time at the end of this trial to discuss what happened and the action needed in response to this horrific tragedy. But for now, and until the proceedings have concluded, the priority for all of us must be to ensure justice is done.”