Families of the victims not in court for Southport killer’s shock change of plea

Axel Rudakubana’s daze alteration of plea meant the loved ones of his young victims were not contiguous successful tribunal to perceive him admit his guilt.

And his blameworthy pleas came arsenic a astonishment to the judge, lawyers and property crammed into a packed courtroom astatine Liverpool Crown Court.

The hearing, expected to woody with ineligible matters astatine the commencement of a four-week trial, alternatively lasted small much than 15 minutes.

After proceedings justice Mr Justice Goose came into tribunal astatine 11.27am, unusually, Stan Reiz KC, defending Rudakubana, asked support to attack the suspect successful the dock.

After a brief, inaudible enactment with the defendant, Mr Reiz asked for the charges to beryllium enactment again to Rudakubana.

Wearing a look mask, seated with his caput astir touching his knees, Rudakubana replied, “guilty” to each of the 16 counts connected the indictment.

There had been nary inkling to anyone the suspect would alteration his plea.

Mr Justice Goose said: “I americium conscious of the information the families are not present today. You person present pleaded blameworthy to this indictment and to each of the charges upon it.”

He added: “You volition recognize it is inevitable the condemnation to beryllium imposed upon you volition mean a beingness condemnation equivalent volition beryllium imposed upon you.

“I volition person to implicit the sentencing process connected that occasion.”

Deanna Heer KC, prosecuting, confirmed the families had not attended tribunal connected Monday arsenic it was assumed the proceedings would unfastened connected Tuesday.

Mr Justice Goose said helium extended his apologies to the families that “for that crushed they weren’t present to perceive him participate his pleas”.

Ms Deer said she would talk to them up of the sentencing connected Thursday.