Merseyside Police Commissioner Comments on Southport Triple Murder Sentence

Following the news that Axel Rudakubana has today (Thursday 23rd January) been sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum fixed term of 52 years, for the murders of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice da Silva Aguiar, in Southport last year, Merseyside's Police Commissioner has released the following statement.

Emily Spurrell said: “I can’t even begin to imagine or understand the untold pain that the families of Bebe, Elsie, and Alice, have had to endure in the six months since their beautiful little girls were cruelly taken from them.

“The appalling events of last summer affected not only all those who knew and loved these children, but the entire nation. My thoughts remain with the bereaved families, all those injured and the whole community, who are continuing to process what happened in their neighbourhood.

“Whilst Monday’s early guilty plea was unexpected, we can take a small piece of solace that the families won’t be subjected to the additional trauma of reliving their devastating experience again, through the evidence presented in court.

“They, and the legacy of the three little girls, must remain at the forefront of our minds, and in our hearts, now and forever.

“This was a horrific, pre-meditated incident, planned and carried out by an evil and warped individual, who callously and systematically targeted innocent and defenceless young children, to spread as much fear and destruction as possible. 

“There is no justice that can ever heal the pain that the loved ones of Bebe, Elsie Dot and Alice are experiencing, and they will serve a life sentence of their own, one that no family should ever have to suffer, as they try to come to terms with the profound loss of those three beautiful girls for the rest of their lives.

“Whilst this sentence won’t bring an end to their heartache, I hope the knowledge that this toxic individual is likely never to be released from prison for his despicable and abhorrent actions, will in time bring them a sense of peace.  

“This is the most harrowing and disturbing case that Merseyside Police has ever had to deal with, and I would like to pay tribute to the hard-working officers and staff, whose compassion, professionalism, and relentless determination has been unwavering throughout what has been, and remains, an extensive and complex legal process.

“From the moment this horrific incident took place, their commitment to ensure justice is delivered, in accordance with law, cannot be overstated and I want to thank each and every person, across Merseyside Police, whose significant and selfless contribution has been so important to getting us to this point.

“I also want to thank the people of Southport who have shown remarkable courage through the darkest of days. The way a grieving community came together at the very worst of times, demonstrating great spirit and togetherness, during such enormous heartbreak. This is the legacy that will help the town heal and points us all to a more positive future. 

“These senseless murders devastated our region, and I know many of us will still be feeling angry and wanting answers, and so I welcome the commitment of the Prime Minister and Home Secretary to hold a public inquiry into how these terrible events unfolded.

“For complete transparency, we must remain patient whilst this process is ongoing, and if it’s deemed that lessons must be learned from this terrible ordeal, I will seek to ensure any recommendations arising from the inquiry are actioned and delivered on.

“I will also work with the Home Secretary to make sure that if any changes in legislation are necessary to prevent future atrocities that such changes in the law are implemented as soon as possible.

“If you have been affected by this case and want to speak to someone or access support, you can contact my Victim Care Merseyside service on 0808 175 3080 or visit  www.victimcaremerseyside.org.”