Teenager charged with murdering three girls in Southport stabbing attack appears in court
The teenager, who is from a nearby village in Lancashire, but was born in Cardiff, was arrested on Monday.
Thursday 1 August 2024 21:37, UK
A 17-year-old boy, charged with murder and attempted murder after a mass stabbing in Southport, has appeared in court and been named as Axel Rudakubana.
Three children, six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar, died as a result of the attack at The Hart Space community centre.
A "Taylor Swift Yoga and Dance Workshop" aimed at children aged between primary school years two and six was taking place at the time of the attack in the seaside town, which is north of Liverpool.
Southport latest: Murder suspect named in 'exceptional' decision
Rudakubana, who is from a nearby village in Lancashire, but was born in Cardiff, Wales, was arrested on Monday.
Usually, the defendant, because he is aged under 18, would be granted anonymity.
However, in an "exceptional" decision, Judge Andrew Menary KC did not conceal the identity of Rudakubana - who turns 18 in six days.
The Liverpool judge said that doing so would allow others to "spread misinformation".
"Whilst I accept it is exceptional given his age, principally because he is 18 in six days time, I do not make an order under section 45," he said.
He added: "Continuing to prevent the full reporting has the disadvantage of allowing others to spread misinformation, in a vacuum."
Rudakubana has now been remanded in youth custody, after he was charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a knife.
Rudakubana appeared at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Thursday morning.
During the 55-minute court hearing, the teenager put his head down inside his grey sweatshirt and at times was seen rocking back and forth and side to side.
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Judge Menary told the defendant: "You are remanded to youth detention accommodation until these proceedings have been completed.
"That position might change when you achieve your majority in a short while."
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A plea and trial preparation hearing for Rudakubana has been set for 25 October at Liverpool Crown Court, with a provisional trial date, lasting six weeks, scheduled for 20 January next year.