Attorney General upholds Axel Rudakubana’s 52 year jail term for the Southport dance class murders.
Rudakubana’s father, Alphonse, moved to the UK in 2002 from Rwanda, according to a news report in 2015. Axel was born in Cardiff, Wales, on August 7, 2006. In 2013, his family relocated to Lancashire, moving from Wales to Banks, near Southport.
On July 29, 2024, tragedy struck when a man with a knife entered a Southport dance class at The Hart Space on Hart Street. Bebe, Elsie, and Alice died from their wounds, and eight other children suffered injuries. The instructor, Leanne Lucas, and businessman John Hayes were also hurt.
The police quickly arrested a male suspect and seized a knife at the scene. Rumors spread quickly online, with people claiming the suspect was an asylum seeker. They alleged he arrived in the UK by boat in 2023, and some claims included a supposed identity.
On July 30, 2024, people held a vigil in Southport outside The Atkinson to remember the victims. Later, a protest started outside the town’s mosque, where people threw things and damaged property. Some police vehicles were set on fire.
More protests occurred on July 31, 2024, as demonstrators gathered in London for an “Enough Is Enough” protest. They threw flares and cans at police, leading to over 100 arrests. Disorder also erupted in other towns such as Hartlepool, County Durham, and Aldershot in Hampshire.
On August 1, 2024, the police announced charges, and Rudakubana was charged with murder and attempted murder. He also faced a charge for possessing a knife. Initially, police did not name him due to his age, but a judge ruled he could be named as he was turning 18 soon. He smiled in court initially, then hid his face.
More protests followed, and Sunderland saw three officers hospitalized on August 2, 2024. August 3, 2024, brought violent protests across the UK, with Liverpool, Hull, Nottingham, and Belfast all experiencing issues. More disorder happened on August 4, 2024, as masked demonstrators attacked police in Rotherham.
The government held an emergency meeting on August 5, 2024, and the Prime Minister promised a stronger response. A peaceful vigil occurred in Southport that evening, while police handled disturbances in Plymouth and Darlington.
Prison sentences began on August 7, 2024, with one man receiving three years for violent disorder. Many protests were planned, but most areas reported little trouble.
On October 29, 2024, police announced more charges: Rudakubana faced charges related to a biological toxin and was accused of producing Ricin. He also faced a charge for possessing terrorist information.
Rudakubana appeared in court on October 30, 2024, via video, covering his face and staying silent. He appeared again on November 13, 2024, still covering his face and not speaking, while family members of victims were present.
His trial took place on January 20, 2025, and Rudakubana pleaded guilty to all charges. This included the murders of the three young girls.