Axel Rudakubana, an 18-year-old from Banks in West Lancashire, has pleaded guilty to three counts of murder in connection with the tragic Southport stabbings.

Rudakubana appeared at Liverpool Crown Court, facing charges of murdering six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar. The children lost their lives during a Taylor Swift-themed dance party at Hart Space in Southport on July 29, 2023.

As his trial was about to begin, Rudakubana's sudden guilty plea came as a shocking twist. He also admitted to the attempted murder of eight other children, as well as two individuals, Leanne Lucas and Jonathan Hayes.

MP for Southport, Patrick Hurley, expressed the gravity of the situation, stating there is “no good news” following Rudakubana's plea. He emphasized the relief that the families of the victims will be spared the “mental torture” of a trial.

Mr. Hurley remarked, “It’s just a sense of reaching a conclusion, but this isn’t a case for celebration. We must remember the victims and the fact that three little girls lost their lives that day.”

Additionally, Rudakubana pleaded guilty to eight counts of attempted murder against the other children, whose identities cannot be disclosed. He faces further charges, including possession of a bladed article—a kitchen knife with a curved blade—and the production of a biological toxin, specifically ricin. He is also charged with possessing information useful for committing or preparing acts of terrorism.

The Liverpool ECHO will provide live updates on Rudakubana's trial, which is scheduled to last no more than four weeks.