A UK court has sentenced 18-year-old Axel Rudakubana to a minimum of 52 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed event in Southport, Liverpool.
The tragic incident which took place in July 2024 at a dance class claimed the lives of 6-year-old Bebe King, 7-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and 9-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar, leaving ten others injured, including two adults.
The incident sparked anti-immigrant riots and violence across the country, leading to loss of lives and properties.
Rudakubana was initially charged with three counts of murder, along with ten counts of attempted murder and possession of a knife.
Additionally, he faced terrorism-related charges for possessing a jihadi training manual and producing ricin, a deadly toxin.
On the first day of his trial at Liverpool Crown Court earlier this week, Rudakubana pleaded guilty to all 16 count charges against him.
Judge Julian Goose on Thursday, sentenced the teenager to life in prison, with a minimum term of 52 years, for his crimes.
“It is highly likely that he will never be released,” the judge said.
Following the sentencing, Merseyside Police spokesperson paid tributes to the victims while describing the attack as “cowardly and terrifying”.
“We want to honor Bebe, Elsie, and Alice, who will never be forgotten, as well as the children and adults who suffered serious injuries and trauma that day.
“While no sentence can ease the pain of the victims and their families, we hope this verdict offers some degree of comfort,” he said.
Reacting to the attack, in July 2024, American Songwriter and singer, Taylor Swift, shared an Instagram post where she described the attack as horror.
“The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families and first responders. These are just little kids at a dance class,” Swift said.
Swift later met with family members of the victims and those injured in the attack while she was performing at Wembley Stadium in August 2024.
