Today, outside Liverpool Crown Court, a somber crowd gathered as Axel Rudakubana, 18, was sentenced for the murders of three girls at a dance class in Southport last summer. The young man pleaded guilty on the first day of his trial to the horrific crimes, as well as to ten counts of attempted murder and possessing information related to terrorism.
Legal experts have determined that due to Rudakubana being 17 at the time of the attacks, he will not face a whole life order, which would have meant he would never be eligible for release. A recent change to the Sentencing Act allows for whole life orders to be imposed on individuals between the ages of 18 and 20, but only in exceptional cases. Rudakubana’s age at the time of the crimes placed him just days away from being subject to such an order, resulting in a minimum term being set by Mr. Justice Goose.
A parent of one of the victims expressed their outrage to The Sun, stating that the rules should be changed and Rudakubana should “rot in jail.” The sentencing and the impact it has had on the community in Southport has been a topic of discussion and debate, highlighting the need for justice and closure for the victims and their loved ones.
As the case comes to a close, the repercussions of such a heinous crime continue to ripple through the town, leaving behind a sense of loss and disbelief. The community seeks solace in the justice system as they try to come to terms with the tragic events that have unfolded.
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Video “LIVE: Southport killer sentenced – Coverage outside court” was uploaded on 01/23/2025 to Youtube Channel The Times and The Sunday Times