Axel Rudakubana, Suspect in Southport Murder, Set to Stand Trial in the Coming Year
He remained silent when asked to identify himself at the hearing, which was attended by approximately 20 family members of the victims sitting in the public gallery.
Axel Rudakubana, accused of killing three young girls in a knife attack in Southport in the summer, is set to go on trial at the beginning of next year.
Rudakubana appeared for a plea and trial preparation hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday via video link from Belmarsh prison. Throughout the hearing, he kept his face covered with a grey sweatshirt, with a single prison officer behind him.
The 18-year-old, residing in Old School Close in Banks, Lancashire, faces three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder, and possession of a knife.
He is also charged with possession of information likely to be useful for terrorism and production of the biological toxin, ricin.
The defendant did not enter any pleas to the 16 charges he is facing and remained silent when asked to identify himself at the start of the brief hearing.
Around 20 family members of the victims observed the proceedings from the public gallery.
Terror and Ricin Charges
The three murder counts pertain to the killings of Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, Bebe King, 6, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, who were fatally stabbed during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at The Hart Space in a small business park in Hart Street, Southport, Merseyside, shortly before noon on July 29.
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The attempted murder charges involve instructor Leanne Lucas, businessman John Hayes, and eight other children whose identities cannot be disclosed for legal reasons.
The 18-year-old also faces charges of producing ricin under the Biological Weapons Act 1974, with police stating that the ricin was produced on or before July 29.
Merseyside Police clarified that the Southport attack has not been classified as terror-related.
Defendant Silent
Mr. Justice Goose informed the court that Rudakubana had opted to remain silent.
The judge scheduled another preparatory hearing for December 12, emphasizing, “It is crucial for the court and the public to understand the issues in this trial, and the hearing on December 12 will facilitate that clarification.”
Goose remanded the defendant in custody and directly addressed him, asking, “Mr. Rudakubana, can you hear me? Just raise your hand if you can hear me.”
The 18-year-old did not respond.
The judge remarked, “I know you can hear me because the officer behind you confirmed that. You are required to appear for the next hearing on December 12.”
The trial is set for January 20, 2025, with the judge estimating it to last four to six weeks.
PA Media contributed to this report.
