Axel Rudakubana has been given a total of 13 life sentences with a minimum of 52 years in prison for the murder of three girls at a Taylor Swift themed dance class in Southport, England.
The 13 life sentences include concurrent ones with a minimum term of 18 years on eight counts of attempting to murder multiple children and 16 years for attempting to murder two adults.
He’s committed multiple offenses
In addition to sentences for attempting to murder several children and two adults, Rudakubana has also been given sentences of 12 years for producing ricin, a biological toxin, 18 months for possession of a knife and 18 months for possession of an Al-Qaeda manual.
The man had been featured on a promotional video for BBC’s Children in Need in 2018 but the video has since been taken down, according to the broadcaster.
He is likely to never be out
As stated by judge Justice Goose, Rudakubana is likely to never be released from prison.
The perpetrator was 17 years old when he murdered Alice da Silva Aguiar, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Bebe King, who were aged nine, seven, and six respectively.
Rudakubana conducted a knife attack
He committed the murders of the three girls with a knife attack at a Taylor Swift themed dance class at The Hart Space in Southport on 29 July 2024.
He also attempted to murder eight other children, the class instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes.
He wasn’t eligible for a life sentence
Seeing as Rudakubana was 17 when he committed the crimes, he is not eligible for a whole life order, which is typically given in such cases.
It was only nine days to his 18th birthday when he committed the murders.
The judge explained the sentences
The judge explained that because he was yet to be 18 years old when he committed the murders, it was legally required to have a minimum serving term in his sentences.
However, he is unlikely to get out of prison.
A life sentence is only given to legal adults
According to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, life sentences can only be given to those who were 18 or over when they committed the crimes.
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PA Media reported that when Rudakubana was captured by police he said, “I’m glad those kids are dead.”
He also shouted in court
The perpetrator also shouted in court “I need a paramedic because I feel ill” before judge Justice Goose said that he would continue the hearing.
Due to the murderer continuing his shouting, the judge eventually ordered officers to take him out of court.
The judge had tried to make him stop
“Shouting from the dock is not going to make this happen any quicker. If you remain quiet you will be able to see someone,” the judge told Rudakubana.
Rudakubana then replied, “I’m not going to remain quiet, I am in pain.”
Proceedings continued
The judge continued the proceedings while Rudakubana was being examined by medical staff in a side room after he wouldn’t stop shouting.
He was also removed a second time for shouting when he had returned to receive the verdict after lunch.
Rudakubana pleaded guilty
On Monday 20 July, the murderer pleaded guilty to all 16 offences including the three counts of murder, possession of a knife, the production of ricin, and possession of an Al-Qaeda training manual.
However, the attack on the Southport children committed by the Welsh-born man was not declared a terrorist attack.
