The alleged Southport attacker has again refused to speak after appearing in court for a third time, charged with the murder of three young girls in Southport, production of a biological toxin and a terrorism offence.

Axel Rudakubana allegedly committed a stabbing during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in July.

He is also accused of possessing a military study of an Al Qaeda training manual and of manufacturing a biological toxin called ricin.

Mr Rudakubana, who is now 18 but was 17 at the time of the attack, has denied being responsible for the murders of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine years.

Mr Rudakubana is also charged with attempted murder of yoga teacher Leanne Lucas, businessman John Hayes and eight children, whose identities cannot be revealed for legal reasons, as well as possession of a knife.

At Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday he appeared via video link from HMP Belmarsh wearing a gray tracksuit.

He covered his face with his sweater and did not speak when asked to confirm his name or to confirm that he understood what was being said.

Deanna Heer KC, prosecuting, said: “Regarding the identity of the accused, he has always taken the same position until now. »

He entered no plea and another court date was set for December 12.

Ms. Heer requested that the terrorism offense and the ricin allegation be joined to the other charges of murder and attempted murder. Judge Goose ordered the charges to be joined.

He asked if the prosecution could confirm whether it was correct that the first 14 charges, which relate to murder, attempted murder and possession of a sharp article, were not considered to be related to the “promotion of terrorism”. Ms. Heer replied: “That’s correct. »

Knife attack not declared a terrorist incident

The manual, a PDF titled “Military Studies in Jihad Against Tyrants: The Al Qaeda Training Manual,” and the poison were discovered during a search of his home in early August, police previously said.

Mr Rudakubana is accused of being in possession of the document from August 29, 2021 to July 30, 2024. He was charged under section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy of Merseyside Police previously said the charge did not require establishing a motive.

The July 29 stabbing attack has not been declared a terrorist incident by counterterrorism police because the possible motive has not yet been determined.

Born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents, Mr Rudakubana’s identity was revealed after a judge lifted a ban on reporting following a press request.

The attack sparked widespread protests and unrest across the country, fueled by online speculation about the alleged attacker, including false claims that he was an asylum seeker.

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