I met the Southport killer in court, and his chilling smile still haunts me
Southport: I recently had a chilling encounter with Axel Rudakubana, the serial child killer. His twisted smile is something I can’t shake off.
It all happened when he was brought into Liverpool Youth Court. I was one of the first journalists there, just three days after his horrific attacks.
Everyone was curious about him. Reporters, court staff, and police wanted to see how he would act. Would he admit to his crimes? Would he even speak?
When he walked in, he wore a grey prison tracksuit and black slippers. He looked so casual, but his demeanor was anything but.
As he peeked at us from behind the glass dock, he had this unnerving grin. It was like he found the whole situation amusing. It sent chills down my spine.
He stood there, staring at the floor, refusing to say a word. But that smile? It was a reminder of how dangerous he really is.
Later, he appeared before Judge Andrew Menary. Even though he was just 17, the judge decided to identify him because of the outrage his actions caused.
During that hearing, he hid his face with his sweater. It was like he knew the weight of what he had done.
On Thursday, the families of his young victims will be in court. I hope he doesn’t smirk then. They deserve justice.
