I attended the Southport killer’s sentencing, and the pain of the victims’ families was palpable. Their grief will stay with me always.
Alice’s parents were there, desperate to confront him. They wanted to look him in the eye. But he stayed away, robbing them of that moment. It was just another blow to families already shattered by his actions.
The day started quietly. Families waited in courtroom 5.4 for the sentencing. Only Alice’s parents felt strong enough to face him. Others were too heartbroken. Rudakubana arrived with police escorts, but he was more focused on his own complaints.
When he entered the dock, he wore a grey prison sweater and a mask. He squeezed a stress toy and yelled, “I feel ill!” The judge, Mr. Justice Goose, tried to keep order. Rudakubana interrupted, saying he hadn’t eaten in ten days. The judge told him to be quiet.
Eventually, the judge sent him for medical help. As he left, Alice’s dad shouted, “Coward!” Rudakubana returned later, still complaining. But the real horror came when the court watched CCTV footage of his rampage.
The room fell silent as they saw him enter The Hart Space. Then came the screams of children. One by one, they staggered out, injured and scared. When Alice’s parents saw their daughter on screen, they broke down. It was heartbreaking.
A dance teacher also fled the courtroom in tears. The footage showed a young girl trying to escape, only to be dragged back by Rudakubana. The child later stumbled out, seeking help.
Victim statements echoed in the courtroom. Some children would carry scars forever. Alice’s mom leaned on her husband as he spoke. He shared how he had thought about ending his life just to see Alice again.
The contrast was striking. The families showed dignity, while Rudakubana displayed nothing but cruelty. It was a painful reminder of the innocence lost to pure evil.
