In a somber moment for the Southport community, Axel Rudakubana, a prominent figure in a harrowing crime, is about to be sentenced today at Liverpool Crown Court. The proceedings are expected to begin shortly, and our reporters will be on site to deliver key updates and replays of the judge's remarks via a live stream.

The case against Rudakubana is deeply disturbing. Before he tragically murdered three young girls, he was already known to police and anti-extremism agencies due to multiple incidents that raised red flags about his violent tendencies. Rudakubana's first serious warning sign occurred while he was still in Year Nine at Range High School, where he was expelled for bringing a knife to school in October 2019. Later attempts to return to school saw him attacking another student with a hockey stick, highlighting a pattern of violent behavior that went largely unaddressed by authorities.

The situation escalated dangerously when, on July 22 of last year, Rudakubana attempted to return to the school just one week before the tragic attacks. His father desperately pleaded with the taxi driver not to take him, but the warning signs were starkly clear—the young man had a history of violent fantasies, including an alarming fascination with school shootings and extremist groups. His troubling online search history delved into Nazi Germany and ethnic violence in conflicted regions, raising serious concerns about his mental state.

A public inquiry has been announced by the government to investigate the failures that allowed Rudakubana to slip through the cracks of the system and to address the alarming rise in youth violence and extremist ideologies in the UK.

As the court prepares for sentencing, legal experts speculate on the possible outcomes for Rudakubana. While he might typically face a whole life order for the heinous murders of three girls under ten years old, recent legislation complicates this possibility. At only 17 years of age at the time of the murders, Rudakubana is ineligible for such an order, as the law stipulates whole life sentences can only be applied to individuals aged 18 or older.

Victims

Victims in this tragic case, all of whom were innocent young girls attending a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, were:

1. Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, who was cherished by her family as "extraordinary" and brought light into the lives of those around her.

2. Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, celebrated by her parents as their "perfect dream child", known for her love of animals and her joyous spirit.

3. Bebe King, 6, remembered by her parents for her kindness and vibrant nature.

In addition to the three murders, Rudakubana admitted to the attempted murder of ten other individuals, including eight unnamed children and two adults: Leanne Lucas, 35, the dance class leader, and John Hayes, a businessman who bravely intervened in the incident.

As the community grapples with this unspeakable tragedy, the court's decision and implications for Rudakubana’s future are awaited with bated breath. Will justice truly be served, or is this merely the beginning of a long and painful journey for the victims' families? Stay tuned for updates.