On January 20, 2024, at Liverpool Crown Court, 18-year-old Axel Rudakubana pleaded guilty to the murders of three young girls during a violent incident at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport last year. This shocking crime resulted in the deaths of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Da Silva Aguiar, as well as injuries to eight other children and two adults.

Rudakubana, who was 17 at the time of the attack, had previously remained silent in court, refusing to confirm his identity or enter a plea at his hearing last month. Mr. Justice Goose had to enter not guilty pleas on his behalf until today, when his counsel Stanley Reiz KC requested that the indictment be put to him again.

As the trial commenced, Rudakubana remained seated and, wearing a grey tracksuit and surgical mask, pleaded guilty to all charges, including the possession of a bladed article and the production of a biological toxin, specifically ricin.

Despite being asked to stand and confirm his name, Rudakubana remained unresponsive. Each of the 16 counts of the indictment were then read aloud, to which he responded with “Guilty” each time, prompting the clerk to confirm his change of plea.

Rudakubana's sentencing has been scheduled for Thursday, marking the end of a protracted wait for justice from the families of the victims.

Seated with his head down, he listened as the judge informed him about the inevitability of a life sentence. Mr. Justice Goose acknowledged the absence of the victims' families in court, noting their expectation that the trial would commence the following week.

Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC explained that the families were informed the trial would start on Tuesday and she would communicate with them before the upcoming sentencing.

Mr. Justice Goose expressed his apologies to the families for their absence during this crucial moment in the proceedings.