'Alice, Bebe and Elsie will forever shine in our hearts'
Tributes have been paid to Alice da Silva Aguiar, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Bebe King following the sentencing of child killer Axel Rudakubana at Liverpool Crown Court today. The now-18-year-old arrived at The Hart Space at 11.45am on July 29 last year where he disrupted a Taylor Swift-themed workshop where children were making friendship bracelets as he systematically worked his way around the studio inflicting unimaginable pain and destruction on the class of 26 girls.
Nine-year-old Alice, seven-year-old Elsie and six-year-old Bebe were all fatally injured, with eight other children and two adults - Leanne Lucas and John Hayes - suffering injuries at the hands of the calculated killer. Rudakubana was sentenced today to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 52 years.
Following the harrowing day in court, Alice's former headteacher paid tribute to the three girls. Jinnie Payne, headteacher at Churchtown Primary School, said: “In the face of unspeakable tragedy, our Southport community has been tested in ways we could never have imagined. Today, we come together to honour the lives of Alice, Bebe and Elsie – three cherished members of our community whose light will forever shine in our hearts. We also hold in our thoughts all those physically and emotionally impacted by this heartbreaking tragedy.
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“Alice, a beloved pupil of Churchtown Primary School, was joy embodied. Her artistic flair and passion for dance brought happiness to everyone who knew her. Alice, Bebe and Elsie’s absence leave a void that cannot be filled, but their memory will remain a torch of light, love, and inspiration for us all.
“To all the victims and their families and friends, we extend our deepest sympathy and unwavering support. As a school, we are committed to wrapping our arms around you and the entire community as we walk this path of grief and recovery together.
“In this time of pain, we find hope in the unity of our community. The resilience, compassion, and strength we have witnessed remind us that love always prevails over hate. Let us continue to lean on one another, not just to heal but to honour Alice, Bebe, and Elsie by building a future grounded in kindness and understanding.
“This is not the end of their story. It is the beginning of a shared commitment to a better world, one where love binds us, hope drives us, and unity defines us.
“Our hearts are broken, but we’re finding strength in healing together.”