Warning ahead of Southport attack trial

The Attorney General has issued a warning about commenting on the trial of a teenager charged with stabbing three children to death in Southport.

Axel Rudakubana is due to stand trial on Monday accused of the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on 29 July 2024.

Lord Hermer KC - the government's most senior legal representative - reminded publishers, editors and the public that any material that risked prejudicing Mr Rudakubana's trial at Liverpool Crown Court - including on social media - could lead to contempt of court proceedings.

The 18-year-old, from Banks in West Lancashire, is also accused of attempting to murder eight other children, who cannot be named, and two adult victims - class instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes.

Mr Rudakubana also faces charges of production of a biological toxin, namely ricin, and possession of terrorist material - as well as possessing a knife on the day of the stabbings.

Not guilty pleas to all charges were entered on his behalf by trial judge Mr Justice Goose at a recent hearing.

A statement from Lord Hermer said that fair and accurate reporting of legal proceedings held in open court, written in good faith, is permissible.

"However, you may be at risk of being in contempt of court if you publish material or comment online that is inaccurate, unfair or involves discussion or commentary which could influence the jury's deliberations," he said.

"This includes anything that asserts or assumes, expressly or implicitly, the guilt of Axel Rudakubana."

The trial is expected to last four weeks.

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