In 12 years as a journalist, I’ve never sat through such a harrowing court case – Southport killer was coward to the end
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In 12 years as a journalist, I’ve never sat through such a harrowing court hearing. It was impossible not to be moved to tears hearing the horrific injuries suffered by children as young as six years old, who seconds earlier had been happily making Taylor Swift bracelets and dancing to their favourite songs.
![[Mugshot of Axel Rudakubana.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/undated-handout-photo-issued-merseyside-965245126_301c5c.jpg?strip=all&w=720)
Their short lives were cut short by the senseless killing carried out for no other reason than to fulfil a sick obsession with violence. The families of Axel Rudakubana’s victims - whose own lives have been torn apart - sat with quiet dignity as he was caged for life.
![[Blurred dashcam footage of Axel Rudakubana entering The Hart Space.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/editors-note-video-blurred-source-966059148.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Liverpool Crown Court heard details of the children's injuries that were so horrific, their parents asked the media not to repeat them. As sobbing filled the courtroom, CCTV captured members of the public running over to help - displaying actions that can only be described as heroic.
![[Illustration of Axel Rudakubana at his sentencing hearing.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/court-artist-sketch-elizabeth-cook-966032908_0405fb.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
A coward to the end, Rudakubana robbed the families of the chance to look him in the eye as he refused to enter the dock as his sentence was handed down. I felt a burning anger at his failure to show one shred of remorse or respect for the families as he repeatedly disrupted proceedings - forcing the judge to remove him from the courtroom twice.
![[Photo of Bebe King.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/file-handout-photo-issued-merseyside-966059716_0d85c3.jpg?strip=all&w=720)
There were no cheers in court as Rudakubana’s sentence was handed down. Following five hours of heartbreaking witness statements and harrowing details describing the injuries inflicted on their tiny bodies, it felt far from a cause for celebration. It can only be hoped that the families can find a degree of comfort knowing the killer is likely to die in jail and will never again be free to inflict such horror.
![[Girl in white dress standing next to illuminated cross and balloon arch.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/file-handout-photo-issued-merseyside-966059719_d25ee6.jpg?strip=all&w=723)
