Court date set for trial of Axel Rudakubana

The 18-year-old man who has been accused of killing three young girls in a knife attack at a dance class in Southport is set to face trial next year. Axel Rudakubana appeared via video link from HMP Belmarsh for his hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday (November 13).

Rudakubana covered his face with his grey sweatshirt throughout proceedings. He remained silent when asked twice to identify himself.

Rudakubana, of Old School Close in Banks, Lancashire, faces charges including three counts of murder, 10 of attempted murder, possession of a knife, production of biological toxin, ricin, and possession of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

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The victims, Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, died following the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at The Hart Space on a small business park in the seaside town shortly before midday on July 29. The attempted murder charges relate to eight children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes.

Mr Justice Goose informed the court that the defendant had "chosen" not to say anything and scheduled a further preparatory hearing ahead of the trial for December 12. He added: "It is important the court and the public know what the issues are in this trial and the December 12 hearing will allow that."

The defendant, Rudakubana, was remanded in custody as the judge attempted to communicate with him, saying: "Mr Rudakubana, can you hear me? Just raise your hand if you can hear me."

Receiving no response from the defendant, the judge asserted: "Well I know you can hear me because the officer behind you said I can be heard. You are next required to attend on December 12. Your trial will be listed for January 20, with a time estimate of four to six weeks. Thank you."

In the courtroom, where attendance was predominantly family or friends of those involved in the Southport attack, only one reporter from the PA news agency was present. Leanne Lucas, the yoga instructor who was attacked, was among them.

Meanwhile, approximately 20 additional reporters followed the proceedings via video link in an adjacent courtroom. Merseyside Police have not classified the Southport incident as terror-related.

However, the terrorism charge against the defendant pertains to his alleged possession of a document titled "Military Studies In The Jihad Against The Tyrants, The Al Qaeda Training Manual" between August 29, 2021, and July 30, 2024.