Remorseless Killer Axel Rudakubana Sentenced to 52 Years for Southport Mass Stabbing

Remorseless Killer Axel Rudakubana Sentenced to 52 Years in Prison

Axel Rudakubana, the remorseless killer who murdered three young girls and wounded ten others in a horrific mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed children's holiday class in Southport, has been sentenced to at least 52 years in prison.

"It's a good thing those children are dead... I am so glad... I am so happy."

Rudakubana, who was 18 at the time of the attack, pleaded guilty to all 16 offences he faced, including the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, Bebe King, 6, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7. He also admitted to the attempted murders of eight other children, class instructor Leanne Lucas, and businessman John Hayes.

The court heard that Rudakubana's attack was "pre-meditated, planned knife attack upon multiple victims, principally young girls, intending to kill them." The judge described the horrific injuries suffered by the victims as "difficult to explain as anything other than sadistic in nature."

Rudakubana did not receive a whole-life order because he was 17 at the time of the attack. The sentence can normally only be imposed on criminals aged 21 or over and is usually only considered for those aged 18 to 20 in exceptional circumstances.

Officers found violent content on Rudakubana's devices, including images of dead bodies, victims of torture, beheadings, and cartoons depicting killing, violence, and rape. The court also heard that Rudakubana had contacted Childline in October 2019 and asked, "What should I do if I want to kill somebody?"

During his sentencing hearing, Rudakubana was twice removed from the dock for interrupting the proceedings. He shouted, "I haven't eaten for 10 days. I feel ill. I'm not going to remain quiet." and later, "Judge, judge I feel really ill, I need to be seen by a paramedic."

Despite his attempts to disrupt the hearing, Rudakubana was sentenced to 13 life sentences with a minimum term of 51 years and 190 days. Some time was taken off his 52-year sentence due to time already served in custody.