Southport Dance Studio Horror: Teen Sentenced to 52 Years for Devastating Attack on Young Dancers

In a case that has shaken the community to its core, 18-year-old Axel Rudakubana has been sentenced to a minimum of 52 years in prison for a horrific attack that claimed the lives of three young girls during what should have been a joyful Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.

The victims - Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, and Bebe King, 6 - were among 26 children attending a special morning of dancing, singing, and making friendship bracelets in honor of their favorite pop star when tragedy struck. Alice, described by her headteacher as "joy embodied," was known for her artistic flair and passion for dance that "brought happiness to everyone who knew her."

During the 15-minute rampage, Rudakubana not only took three innocent lives but also attempted to murder ten others, including dance instructor Leanne Lucas, who was stabbed five times. In an act of remarkable courage, instructor Heidi Liddle helped save several children by guiding them to safety.

The court heard chilling details of Rudakubana's premeditation, with Justice Goose revealing that the defendant had specifically chosen a knife with a particularly sharp point and had extensively planned the attack. Police later discovered he had a "long-standing obsession with violence, killing and genocide."

The aftermath has left deep scars on the surviving children and their families. Parents testified that their daughters "can't be alone" and "won't leave their parents' side," with simple tasks like taking showers becoming challenging. "It's like having babies again," one parent described the constant care their traumatized children now require.

In a particularly disturbing revelation, while in custody, Rudakubana showed no remorse, stating: "I don't care, I'm feeling neutral... literally, such a good thing those kids are dead." The judge emphasized that it's "highly unlikely" Rudakubana will ever be released.

Southport MP Patrick Hurley has called for a review of the sentence, arguing it is "not severe enough" for crimes that have terrorized victims and their families, highlighting the community's ongoing struggle to come to terms with this devastating tragedy.

Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy described the attack as "cowardly" and "vicious," noting the stark contrast between the innocent victims and the "calculating teenager" who carried out this atrocious act.