Police chief condemns 'cowardly and terrifying' Southport attack
The girls were making friendship bracelets when their killer entered the room
The Axel Rudakubana case was one of the most "harrowing" ever, the Crown Prosecution Service for the region has said. Sarah Hammond, the chief crown prosecutor for CPS Mersey Cheshire, said killer Axel Rudakubana caused "utter devastation" when he attacked the girls as they were singing and making friendship bracelets in Southport on July 29.
While his victims and their families have shown "tremendous dignity and composure in the face of unbelievable horror", Rudakubana has never shown remorse – only "cowardice".
Sarah Hammond spoke at police headquarters, rather than outside court, due to protests there. She said: "Many of our cases have tragedy, difficulties and trauma, but this case is one of the most harrowing that I, as the chief crown prosecutor for this area, have ever come across.
"When Rudakubana entered the room, they were singing and making friendship bracelets. Axel Rudakubana is a murderer; utter devastation followed as he acted out a meticulously planned rampage of murder and violence.
"His purpose was to kill and he targeted the youngest, most vulnerable, no doubt in order to spread the greatest level of fear and outrage, which he did.
"Three days ago he pleaded guilty to all 16 counts against him, saving the families of the victims the trauma of reliving the events of that day in a trial. But he has never expressed any remorse, only cowardice in his refusal to face the families whose lives he has forever changed."
Rudakubana was not present in the courtroom for the moment he was sentenced, claiming he felt ill despite being cleared by paramedics.
Detective Chief Inspector Jason Pye, who led the investigation, added: "Today, Axel Rudakubana has been sentenced for his cowardly and terrifying attack on the young girls at the Hart Space on 29 July.
"Although no outcome at court could possibly ease the pain and trauma of their families, I hope that knowing Rudakubana will now spend a considerable amount of time in prison will bring them some comfort.
"His sustained and ruthless attack resulted in the deaths of Bebe, Elsie and Alice, and the thoughts of everyone at Merseyside Police remain with their families. The shocking actions also resulted in serious injuries, both physical and psychological, to the other young girls and adults who will continue to be affected to this day.
"The incident also impacted on the community of Southport and has been felt across the country. This was the most harrowing, large-scale investigation that our force has ever dealt with and I want to praise the commitment, dedication, and sheer determination of the investigation team who have never had to deal with anything like this before.
"I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank all those first responders, who will no doubt still be affected by what they witnessed when they arrived.
"I would also like to thank the Crown Prosecution Service, who have worked with us since the beginning of this investigation to ensure justice was done, and Counter Terrorism, who provided guidance and expertise throughout.
"I would also like to thank our family liaison officers who have supported the families in every which way that they could since the beginning of this investigation.
"Finally, although Rudakubana has been sentenced to prison today, the pain felt by those families will continue for the rest of their lives. And I want to pay tribute to Bebe, Elsie and Alice. You will never be forgotten."
This evening Hme Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “The whole country has been horrified beyond words by these truly horrendous, cowardly and evil crimes.
“We will always remember Bebe, Elsie and Alice, and the happiness they brought to their families in their short lives. And we will remember too the strength and bravery shown by the survivors of this horrific attack, and the astounding courage of those who rushed towards danger and undoubtedly saved many more lives.
“The police and emergency services who responded that day deserve our eternal gratitude, and we thank too the investigators and prosecutors who have worked so hard for justice, and Mr Justice Goose for presiding over these hugely difficult proceedings.
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“We have vowed to get the answers the country deserves about how this horror was allowed to happen and to ensure that lessons are learned. I will set out further details of the independent public inquiry soon, but for today, all our thoughts are with the families enduring this unimaginable pain, and the example of strength and courage they have provided to us all.”
Axel Rudakubana, 18, who admitted three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder will be at last 69 before he can be considered for parole but the judge who sentenced him to life with a minim of 52 years said it is likely he will never be released.
