The Southport child killer has been removed from court after repeatedly interrupting proceedings to say he ‘can’t remain quiet’. Murderer Axel Rudakubana told the hearing repeatedly that he was ill and said he needed to see a paramedic.
The hearing at Liverpool Crown Court is taking place to pass sentence aftter the teenager admitted murdering six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar.
The girls were stabbed to death during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at the Hart Space in Southport on July 29 last year. The hearing has been interrupted on several occasions by the killer today.
The Liverpool Echo reports that the murderer was heard in the dock saying “I’m not fine, I feel ill. No.” He was then heard shouting and saying: “I need to speak to a paramedic because I feel ill. Judge, I need to speak to a paramedic because I feel ill.”
The judge replied: “I know the defendant has seen medical practitioners and been examined”. Rudakubana said: “You’re not giving me any support judge, I feel ill.”
The judge then addressed defence counsellor Mr Stanley Reiz, saying: “Could you ask him to speak to him. I’ve heard what he’s said. I want this hearing to continue.” Mr Reiz said: “He has not eaten for a number of days. He has drunk very little.
“There was concern about his ability to be in a high pressure situation. I spoke to Mr R this morning. He did indicate that he felt well enough to proceed. I will take instructions.”
The judge then said: “I’ve been reassured that he has been seen and is fit to attend this hearing.” Justice Goose then told Rudakubana to remain quiet during the sentencing. The killer replied: “I can’t remain quiet because I’m ill judge. I haven’t eaten for 10 days. I’m not gonna remain quiet.”
Mr Reiz took instructions before saying: “The defendant says he’s experiencing chest pains. He says he feels too ill to continue and would like to see a paramedic. It’s important that this case continues, but those are my instructions.”
Justice Goose said in response: “I’m going to continue with these proceedings for the time being.” But the defendant said: “I feel ill judge. I feel ill. I’m going to pass out. no. I can’t continue with this.”
The judge said: “I’ve asked you to be quiet.” The judge then asked Ms Deanna Heer, prosecuting, to continue.
She tried but Rudakubna said: “I can’t continue with this judge. No, no it can’t continue judge. I need to speak to a paramedic. I need to speak to a paramedic. My chest is hurting.”
The judge said: “Shouting from the dock is not going to make this happen any quicker. You’ve chosen that moment to say that as these proceedings start. You will see someone.”
The killer then said: “I didn’t choose a moment to feel pain. It’s not my fault. I need to speak to a paramedic judge. Stop ignoring me.”
The judge asked Ms Heer to continue again, before the murderer said: “Don’t continue, don’t continue, don’t continue.”
The judge had had enough, saying: “Take him out.” He indicated that the teenage killer could be kept in a room at the back of the dock.
A man in the public gallery said “coward” as Rudakubana left. The judge said: “I think he has voluntarily absented himself.”
The 18-year-old, from Banks in West Lancashire, had been scheduled to go on trial this week but entered guilty pleas to the murders. He also admitted attempting to murder eight other children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and two adults, Leanne Lucas and John Hayes, who also suffered serious knife wounds. In addition, he admitted possession of a bladed article in a public place, namely a kitchen knife with a curved blade, in relation to the stabbing.
Rudakubana also admitted offences of production of a biological toxin, namely ricin, as well as possession of information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism, namely a PDF file entitled “Military Studies in the Jihad Against the Tyrants: The Al-Qaeda Training Manual”.
The sentencing continues.