The trial starts today of a man accused of murder in relation to last summer’s Southport tragedy.
Axel Rudakubana, 18, will appear at Liverpool Crown Court this morning, Monday, 20th January 2025, accused of murdering three girls aged six, seven and nine, who were killed during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at the Hart Space in Southport on 29th July last year.
Rudakubana, of Banks, will also face charges relating to 16 offences including the attempted murder of 10 other people including eight children, as well as the production of ricin and possession of an Al-Qaeda training manual.
The teenager faces another count of possession of a bladed article in a public place, namely a kitchen knife with a curved blade.
Rudakubana has not spoken at any of his previous court appearances at magistrates’ and crown court.
Not guilty pleas were entered on his behalf by trial judge Mr Justice Goose.
The trial, which is scheduled to last between four to six weeks, will begin today.
The criminal trial commences on 20 January 2025 at Liverpool Crown Court and is expected to last from four to six weeks.
While proceedings are active, the Attorney General is reminding editors, publishers and social media users that fair and accurate reporting of legal proceedings held in public in good faith is permitted.
However, people may be in risk of being in contempt of court if they publish material or comment online that is inaccurate, unfair, or involves discussion or commentary which could influence the jury’s deliberations.
This includes anything that asserts or assumes, expressly or implicitly, the guilt of Axel Rudakubana.
This is due to the risk of potentially jeopardising the criminal trial.
The Contempt of Court Act 1981 seeks to prevent any interference with the administration of justice and the right to a fair trial.
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