Southport murders accused appears in court

The 18-year-old accused of carrying out a knife attack at a dance class in Southport has appeared in court.

Axel Rudakubana, of Lancashire, appeared via videolink from HMP Belmarsh for a plea and trial preparation hearing at Liverpool Crown Court but he was not asked to enter any pleas to the 16 charges he faces.

Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, died after the attack on 29 July.

The hearing is continuing with legal and administrative matters which cannot be reported ahead of his trial, which is set for January next year.

Mr Rudakubana was sitting with a single prison officer behind him and holding his grey sweatshirt over his face with his left hand.

He did not speak as he was twice asked by the judge to identify himself.

About 20 family members of the victims were sitting in the public gallery.

The defendant, of Old School Close in Banks, is charged with three counts of murder, 10 of attempted murder, possession of a knife, production of biological toxin, ricin, and possession of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing to commit an act of terrorism.

The attempted murder charges relate to eight children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, yoga instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes.

Mr Rudakubana is next due to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on 12 December, with a trial date set for 20 January.