Southport attack suspect Axel Rudakubana has not guilty pleas entered over three murder charges

Updated 15:00 18 Dec 2024 GMTPublished 14:42 18 Dec 2024 GMT

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Axel Rudakubana, of Banks, Lancashire, is charged with the murders

Southport attack suspect Axel Rudakubana has entered not guilty pleas on three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder following the deaths of three young girls in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.

Rudakubana, 18, of Old School Close in Banks, Lancashire, appeared in Liverpool Crown Court today by video-link from Belmarsh prison.

He failed to speak when the court asked for his name and instead sat with a grey tracksuit on, with his hands on his lap.

The 18-year-old has been charged with possession of a knife, production of biological toxin ricin, and possession of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing to commit an act of terrorism.

Pleas of not guilty were entered by the clerk to all 16 counts on the indictment.

Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, died following the attack at The Hart Space on a small business park in the seaside town shortly before midday on July 29.

The attempted murder charges are in relation to eight children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes.

About 15 family members, including Alice’s parents, were in the public gallery for the hearing.

More to follow.