A teen killer who stabbed three girls to death during the Southport knife attack has admitted to being in the possession of an “Al-Qaeda Training Manual” which was found inside his home.
Axel Rudakubana, 18, from Lancashire, appeared in court for the first day of his trial following the bombshell evidence.
On Tuesday, he admitted to having a chilling PDF file that is believed to be “useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.” Rudakubana further confessed to the production of a biological toxin, ricin, during today’s court appearance.
During the hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, he also changed his plea to guilty for the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, Bebe King, 6, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7. They sadly died after enduring horrifying injuries at a Taylor Swift-themed party at The Hart Space in Southport shortly before midday on July 29. He also admitted to the attempted murders of eight other children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and the attempted murders of class instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes.
Speaking outside court following the guilty pleas entered by Axel Rudakubana, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Ursula Doyle said: “This was an unspeakable attack – one which left an enduring mark on our community and the nation for its savagery and senselessness.
“At the start of the school holidays, a day which should have been one of carefree innocence; of children enjoying a dance workshop and making friendship bracelets, became a scene of the darkest horror as Axel Rudakubana carried out his meticulously planned rampage.
“It is clear that this was a young man with a sickening and sustained interest in death and violence. He has shown no sign of remorse. The prosecution was determined to prove his guilt and I am deeply grateful that today’s plea has spared the families at the heart of this case the pain of having to relive their ordeal through a trial.
“Today, our thoughts are with all those whose lives were altered by what happened on that day. Most of all, we think of Elsie, Bebe, and Alice – the three beautiful young girls whose lives were cut short – and wish strength and courage to the families who loved and cherished them.”
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