The man accused of the Southport tragedy has today changed his plea on the first day of his trial, pleading guilty to all charges.
Axel Rudakubana, 18, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to murdering three young girls.
He also pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of eight other children and to the attempted murder of Leanne Lucas and Jonathan Hayes.
The judge in Liverpool, Justice Goose, has ordered Rudakubana be sentenced at 11am on Thursday.
As well as the three charges of murder and 10 of attempted murder, Rudakubana also pleaded guilty to having a kitchen knife in a public place.
He also admitted to the production of a biological toxin, ricin, and possession of a document likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism – an al-Qaeda training manual.
Rudakubana was 17 at the time of the attack. Until now, he has refused to speak at his court appearances.
His trial was due to start today, lasting between four and six weeks. But as it began he changed his pleas – meaning there will be no trial, and he will be sentenced on Thursday.
The judge, Justice Goose, told him: “You will understand it is inevitable the sentence to be imposed upon you will mean a life sentence equivalent will be imposed upon you.
“I will have to complete the sentencing process on that occasion.”
Speaking in court, Justice Goose said he was “conscious of the fact the families are not here today”.
Deanna Heer KC, prosecuting, said the families had not attended as it was assumed the trial would open fully on Tuesday.
Justice Goose said he extended his apologies to the families that “for that reason they weren’t here to hear him enter his pleas”.
The prosecution barrister said she would speak to them before the sentencing on Thursday.
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
