Former Cardiff Man Accused of Southport Stabbings and Producing Ricin to Face Trial Next Year – Wales Online
A former Cardiff man is set to go on trial next year after being accused of a horrific crime involving the murder of three young girls in a knife attack at a dance class in Southport, along with producing the dangerous toxin ricin. Eighteen-year-old Axel Rudakubana, with his face concealed behind a grey sweatshirt, appeared from HMP Belmarsh via video link at Liverpool Crown Court on November 13. The accused faced around 20 family members of the victims in the public gallery but did not speak during the hearing.
Rudakubana, residing in Old School Close in Banks, Lancashire, is facing charges including three counts of murder, ten counts of attempted murder, possession of a knife, production of biological toxin (ricin), and possession of information likely to be useful for committing acts of terrorism. The tragic incident occurred at a dance class themed around Taylor Swift at The Hart Space on July 29, where Alice da Silva Aguiar, Bebe King, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged nine, six, and seven respectively, lost their lives. The attempted murder charges involve eight children, an instructor, Leanne Lucas, and businessman John Hayes.
During the court hearing, Rudakubana chose not to speak, as stated by Mr. Justice Goose. The judge scheduled a preparatory hearing for December 12, leading up to the trial scheduled for January 20, with an estimated duration of four to six weeks. The incident in Southport has not been classified as terror-related by Merseyside Police. The terrorism charge against the defendant is linked to possessing a PDF file concerning military studies and the Al Qaeda training manual between August 2021 and July 2024.
The defendant’s silence in court was noted by the judge as he informed Rudakubana about the upcoming hearings and trial dates. The gravity of the charges and the tragic loss of young lives have left the community and families of the victims devastated. The legal proceedings are expected to shed light on the details of the case and provide some closure to those affected by the senseless tragedy. Stay tuned for further updates on this case as it unfolds.
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Summary:
The case involving the former Cardiff man accused of the Southport stabbings and ricin production is progressing towards a trial next year. With multiple charges against him, including murder and terrorism-related offenses, the community awaits the legal proceedings to unfold. The tragic incident has left a lasting impact, with families and the public seeking justice for the victims and closure for the ordeal.