Incident Overview: Southport killer Axel Rudakubana refused to leave his cell as a judge corrected his sentence for the murders of three young girls—Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Da Silva Aguiar. The incident occurred on July 29, 2024, when Rudakubana, aged 17, summoned a taxi to the Hart Space in Southport and fatally stabbed the girls during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

Court Proceedings: Absent from the dock, Rudakubana was initially sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 52 years last month after a mass stabbing that involved 11 children and one adult. His case was relisted before Liverpool Crown Court today due to an error made by High Court judge Mr Justice Goose.

During the hearing, prosecution counsel Deanna Heer KC stated: "On January 23 this year, you sentenced Axel Rudakubana to an overall life sentence with a minimum term of 51 years and 190 days, based on an erroneous application of a sentencing provision." She explained that since Rudakubana was under 18 at the time of the crime, the applicable provision should have been Section 259 of the Sentencing Act 2020, which pertains to detention at Her Majesty's pleasure.

Justice Goose, attending remotely from Preston Crown Court, amended the sentence, clarifying that the proceeding was a correction of a technical error that did not affect the overall length of the sentence: "This is a variation of sentence under Section 385 of the Sentencing Act 2020. The prosecution incorrectly suggested that a life sentence on counts one to three should have been custody for life, which needed correction to detention at Her Majesty's pleasure."

As a result, Rudakubana will serve three detentions at Her Majesty's pleasure on counts one to three and ten life sentences on counts four to 13. The minimum term to be served remains at 51 years and 190 days.

Defense Remarks: Carmel Wilde, representing Rudakubana, indicated that her client refused to leave his cell at HMP Belmarsh to attend court in person, implying a waiver of his rights. She noted, "Staff at Belmarsh have confirmed he has refused to participate in court proceedings."

Charges and Guilty Pleas: Rudakubana pleaded guilty to the murders of Bebe, Elsie, and Alice. He also admitted to attempting to murder eight other unnamed children, along with two adults, Ms. Lucas and Mr. Hayes. Additionally, he entered guilty pleas for possession of a bladed article in a public place, production of a biological toxin, and possession of information potentially useful for committing acts of terrorism.

Rudakubana was ordered to serve no less than 52 years in custody before he can be eligible for release on license.