In a tragic incident that unfolded in Southport, 18-year-old Axel Rudakubana brutally murdered three children and severely injured eight others during a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance party in July last year. His actions have left families shattered and a community in mourning.

Rudakubana, who was just 17 at the time of the attack, was sentenced to an unprecedented 13 life sentences today. The judge determined he would spend a minimum of 52 years in prison, expressing concerns that he is so dangerous it is “highly likely” he will never be released.

On July 29, 2022, Rudakubana used a knife he purchased on Amazon to carry out his heinous act. CCTV footage showed him arriving at the Hart Space in Southport, where children were joyfully singing and crafting.

Dressed in a green hoodie and a surgical mask, he calmly entered the venue and initiated a horrific knife attack that lasted 15 minutes, causing chaos and panic among the children.

Before this tragedy, Rudakubana had a troubling history, having previously been expelled from Range High School for bringing knives to school. He had also been removed from a taxi by his father just a week prior to the attack, underscoring his alarming behavior.

As the prosecution revealed, some families left the courtroom during the distressing playbacks of the attack. The footage captured the disturbing screams of children as the attack unfolded within the studio.

The victims included Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, who tragically lost their lives. Rudakubana also attempted to murder several other children and two adults.

Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC outlined the timeline, noting that Rudakubana entered the studio around 11.24 am and screams erupted within 30 seconds.

During the chaos, some children sought refuge in a toilet, overhearing the terrifying events unfolding outside.

Upon police arrival, they discovered Rudakubana standing over Bebe King's body, brandishing a bloodied kitchen knife, which he subsequently dropped.

He remained silent during police interviews but made chilling remarks, expressing satisfaction over the children's deaths.

Elsie and Bebe were pronounced dead at the scene, suffering multiple stab wounds, while Alice succumbed to her injuries later in hospital.

For the three counts of murder, Rudakubana received a minimum of 52 years, with additional sentences for the attempted murders of the eight children and two adults, amounting to a total of 51 years and 190 days in custody before being eligible for parole.

The court also revealed that police discovered ricin residue and a document related to Al-Qaeda during a raid on his home.

Mr Justice Goose emphasized that Rudakubana's intentions resembled terrorism, describing the extreme violence he inflicted on innocent, happy children.

As the sentence was pronounced, many family members were visibly moved, marking a somber conclusion to a heart-wrenching case that has left an indelible mark on the community.

The tragic story of these innocent young lives lost will haunt the families forever, casting a dark shadow over a joyful occasion turned gruesome.