Skip to content
Search AI Powered
Please enter at least 3 characters.

Latest Stories

Southport stabbings: Teenager  denies charges in court

Axel Rudakubana, 18, did not speak when asked at Liverpool Crown Court if he was guilty or not guilty

Southport stabbings: Teenager  denies charges in court

Southport murder suspect Axel Rudakubana appears via video link at the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, Britain, October 30, 2024, in this courtroom sketch.

Julia Quenzler/Handout via REUTERS.

A British teenager had not guilty pleas entered on his behalf to charges of murdering three young girls in a knife attack in northern England in July, a crime that horrified the nation and was followed by days of nationwide rioting.

Axel Rudakubana, 18, on Wednesday (18) did not speak when asked at Liverpool Crown Court if he was guilty or not guilty of killing Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, who were at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in the town of Southport.


Not guilty pleas were also entered over charges of 10 attempted murders, producing the deadly poison ricin and the possession of an al Qaeda training manual, under a procedure known as mute of malice where a defendant refuses to speak.

His trial is due to start on January 20 and last for four weeks. Judge Julian Goose confirmed with Rudakubana's lawyer Stan Reiz that "there will be no positive case advanced" on Rudakubana's behalf.

During Wednesday's short hearing, British-born Rudakubana, who appeared by videolink from prison, showed no emotion, staring straight ahead and occasionally rocking from side to side.

Rudakubana, who was 17 at the time of the incident, was arrested shortly after the attack on the summer vacation event for children in the quiet seaside town north of the city of Liverpool. Police have said the incident was not being treated as terrorist-related.

Large disturbances broke out in Southport after false reports spread on social media that the suspected killer was a radical Islamist migrant.

The disturbances spread across Britain with attacks on mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer blaming the riots on far-right thuggery.

More than 1,500 people were arrested, with prosecutors bringing over 1,000 charges as the authorities took tough action to curb the disorder.

A report by the police watchdog, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), said on Wednesday that officers had displayed immense bravery in the face of extreme violence.

But it added that intelligence failure meant the scale of the disorder was not predicted and forces needed to be better prepared to deal with serious violence.

(Reuters)

More For You

Manmohan-Singh-Getty

Known for his quiet and measured approach, Singh served as prime minister for two terms and is credited with steering the country towards significant economic reforms and growth. (Photo: Getty Images)

Former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh dies at 92

INDIA's former prime minister, Manmohan Singh, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. The first Sikh to hold the office, Singh was being treated for age-related health issues. He was admitted to a hospital after a sudden loss of consciousness, where he later died.

Singh was widely regarded as one of India's most accomplished leaders. Known for his quiet and measured approach, he served as prime minister for two terms and is credited with steering the country towards significant economic reforms and growth.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nigel-Farage-Getty

Nigel Farage called the milestone a 'historic moment.' (Photo: Getty Images)

Reform UK membership surpasses Conservative Party for the first time

MEMBERSHIP of the Reform UK party has surpassed that of the Conservative Party for the first time, the party announced on Thursday.

Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader and a key figure in the Brexit movement, called the milestone a "historic moment."

Keep ReadingShow less
Kumbh-Mela-Getty

Preparations for the festival resemble the construction of a temporary city, covering 4,000 hectares. (Photo: Getty Images)

India prepares for 400 million pilgrims at Kumbh Mela

INDIA is gearing up for what is anticipated to be the largest gathering in history, as the six-week Kumbh Mela festival prepares to welcome 400 million pilgrims.

Held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, the event will take place from January 13 to February 26, coinciding with a rare planetary alignment, enhancing its significance.

Keep ReadingShow less
tsunami-chennai-getty

Women light candles during a ceremony held on the 20th anniversary for the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, at Pattinapakkam beach in Chennai on December 26, 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)

Asia marks 20 years since 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami

MOURNERS gathered across Asia on Thursday to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which claimed the lives of 220,000 people in one of the deadliest natural disasters in history.

Ceremonies were held in affected regions, including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand, to honour those who perished.

Keep ReadingShow less
king-charles-speech-getty

Speaking from Fitzrovia Chapel, a former hospital chapel in central London, the king acknowledged the contributions of medical staff, veterans, and humanitarian workers. (Photo: Getty Images)

King Charles thanks doctors, addresses far-right riots in Christmas speech

KING CHARLES expressed gratitude to doctors and nurses for their support during his Christmas address, a speech that followed a year marked by health challenges for both him and Princess Catherine.

Speaking from Fitzrovia Chapel, a former hospital chapel in central London, the king acknowledged the contributions of medical staff, veterans, and humanitarian workers. He also addressed issues such as global conflicts and the far-right riots that occurred in the UK over the summer.

Keep ReadingShow less