Southport stabbing suspect Axel Rudakubana appeared in court | England | News

The man accused of killing three children in a stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class appeared in court.

Axel Rudakubana, of Lancashire Banks, appeared via video link at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday for a plea and trial preparation hearing but was not asked to enter a plea to the 16 charges against him.

The 18-year-old, from HMP Belmarsh, was seated with a single prison officer behind him, holding his gray tracksuit over his face with his left hand.

He is accused of murdering nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar, six-year-old Bebe King and seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, who died following stabbings at The Hart Space in Southport, Merseyside, shortly before noon on July 29.

The teenager is accused of attempting to murder eight other children, educator Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes, who cannot be named for legal reasons. He is also charged with possession of a knife.

Mr Rudakubana appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court last month facing charges of producing biological toxins and ricin and possessing information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing to commit a terrorist act.

He did not speak at Liverpool Crown Court as he was asked to identify himself twice as the hearing began and was closely watched by around 20 family members of the victims seated in the public gallery.

Mr Justice Goose told the court the defendant had “chosen” not to say anything and ordered a further preliminary hearing ahead of the hearing on 12 December.

He added: “It is important that the court and the public know what the issues are in this case and the hearing on 12 December will allow for this.”

He addressed Rudakubana directly while taking the accused into custody.

He said: “Mr. Rudakubana, can you hear me? Raise your hand if you can hear me.” The defendant did not answer.

The judge continued: “I know you can hear me because the officer behind you said I was heard. You are due to appear for your next hearing on December 12th. Your hearing will be January 20th with an estimated time of four to six weeks thank you.”

The hearing addressed a number of legal and administrative issues that could not be reported ahead of Mr. Rudakubana’s trial, which is scheduled to begin in January.

Also sitting in the public gallery was yoga instructor Leanne Lucas, who was attacked in the incident.