Teen Sentenced to Over 50 Years for Stabbing Three Girls at Dance Class

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A teenager responsible for the stabbing deaths of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, England, was sentenced to over 50 years in prison. Eighteen-year-old Axel Rudakubana was sentenced to 52 years, needing to serve 51 and a half years before becoming eligible for parole. The sentencing took place on Thursday amidst a backdrop of shock and public outcry.

In July 2024, during the first day of summer vacation, Rudakubana, then 17, assaulted the girls aged between 6 and 9, killing Alice Da Silva Aguiar, 9, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Bebe King, 6. The attack left eight other girls wounded, along with their teacher and a local businessman who intervened.

Judge Julian Goose described the crime as “the most extreme, shocking and exceptionally serious crime,” emphasizing Rudakubana's intent to carry out mass murder. Although he could not impose a life sentence due to Rudakubana's age at the time of the crime, the judge indicated that it is probable he may never be released.

Rudakubana faced numerous charges including three counts of murder and ten of attempted murder. He had a history of violent behavior and had been reported to authorities multiple times before the attack. After finally pleading guilty to all charges earlier this week, he was not present in court for the sentencing. The attack has sparked discussions about public safety and failures in the monitoring system for individuals with violent tendencies.

The incident not only devastated the families of the victims but also led to a wave of anti-immigrant violence in response to incorrect assumptions about Rudakubana's background. A public inquiry has been announced to address the systemic failures that allowed him to elude necessary intervention.

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