Today, Axel Rudakubana, an 18-year-old suspect, will stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

He faces serious charges including the murders of three young girls: six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar. These tragic deaths occurred during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at the Hart Space in Southport on July 29 of last year.

In addition to the murders, Rudakubana is also accused of attempting to murder eight other girls, aged between seven and 13, whose names are protected for legal reasons. Furthermore, he faces charges of attempting to murder two adults, Leanne Lucas and John Hayes, who were also victims of the stabbings, as well as possession of a kitchen knife with a curved blade in a public place.

Additional allegations include the production of a biological toxin, specifically ricin, and possessing a PDF file titled "Military Studies in the Jihad Against the Tyrants: The Al-Qaeda Training Manual," which is considered relevant to terrorism activities. These incidents are believed to have occurred in October of last year.

During his previous court appearances, including a plea hearing via video link from HMP Belmarsh in December 2024, Rudakubana remained silent and exhibited unusual behavior, swaying from side-to-side.

Not guilty pleas were entered on his behalf by trial judge Mr. Justice Goose. The trial is expected to last up to four weeks and commences today.