Southport murderer Axel Rudakubana has declined to attend his court hearing today, choosing to remain in his cell as the sentence for his heinous crimes was adjusted. Rudakubana had been sentenced for the brutal killings of Bebe King, Elise Dot Stancombe, and Alice Da Silva Aguiar during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class last summer. The 17-year-old carried out a violent attack, stabbing the three young girls to death on July 29.
Due to disruptive behaviour in court, Rudakubana, labelled an “evil child killer,” was not physically present when a High Court judge corrected his minimum term to 52 years behind bars last month. As reported by the Liverpool Echo, the case was brought back before Liverpool Crown Court this morning to rectify an error in the sentence imposed. Prosecution counsel Deanna Heer KC acknowledged a technical mistake in referencing the appropriate sentencing provision under the Sentencing Act 2020, clarifying that Rudakubana, being under 18 at the time of the offences, should have been sentenced under a different section.
High Court judge Mr Justice Goose, attending remotely from Preston Crown Court, revised the sentence to detention at his majesty’s pleasure for Rudakubana. The killer’s defence counsel, Carmel Wilde, informed the court that he had opted not to leave his cell at HMP Belmarsh and participate in the proceedings via video link. Rudakubana pleaded guilty to the murders of Bebe, Elsie, and Alice, as well as attempting to murder eight other children and two adults, and various other charges related to possession of weapons and terrorist activities.
Despite Rudakubana’s absence, the court confirmed his minimum term of at least 52 years before any chance of release on licence. The horrific nature of Rudakubana’s crimes and his refusal to face the consequences of his actions demonstrate the gravity of the situation and the necessity of justice being served.