Bond Turner represents Bereaved Families
Bond Turner is honoured to represent the bereaved families of the young victims of the horrific crimes of Axel Rudakubana in Southport in July 2024: Bebe King (6), Elsie Dot Stancombe (7), and Alice da Silva Aguiar (9). The firm will act on their behalf at a public inquiry announced by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.
In her announcement, Cooper emphasized the significance of the inquiry, stating:
“It is essential that the families and the people of Southport receive answers about how this terrible attack could happen and why these innocent children became victims of such a heinous act.” {Source: BBC News}
Statement from Sara Stanger, Director & Head of Serious Injuries and Public Inquiries at Bond Turner
"The brutal and senseless violence perpetrated by Axel Rudakubana during a dance class for young children on their summer holidays last year has left an indelible mark on the families and the Southport community. This tragedy has ignited a collective determination to ensure lessons are learned so that no other family suffers such unimaginable pain."
"As the solicitor representing the families of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, I feel a profound sense of duty to support the parents in preserving the memory of their children and to seek crucial answers. It is imperative to uncover the systemic failures that enabled Rudakubana to carry out this devastating attack."
Current Criminal Proceedings
On Monday, January 20, 2025, at Liverpool Crown Court, Axel Rudakubana entered guilty pleas, including to the murders of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice da Silva Aguiar. He also pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of eight other children, as well as Leanne Lucas and Jonathan Hayes.
This follows a not guilty plea entered on Rudakubana’s behalf during a court hearing in December 2024. Sentencing is now scheduled for Thursday, January 23, 2025.
The attack, described as a “meticulously planned rampage,” occurred on July 29, 2024, at the Hart Centre in Southport, during a summer holiday dance class for children.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the importance of justice in his statement from Number 10 on Tuesday, January 21, 2025:
“Terrorism has changed” as Britain faces a “new and dangerous threat” from extreme violence, Sir Keir Starmer has said in a statement on the Southport murders.
Bond Turner’s Experience in Public Inquiries
Bond Turner has a proven track record of supporting families through Public Inquiries. Reflecting on her experience, Sara Stanger stated:
"I was honoured to lead the Inquiries Team at Bond Turner in assisting Lady Justice Thirlwall, Chairwoman of the Public Inquiry into the crimes of Lucy Letby. We represented several families, providing them with support and guidance to drive real change and ensure protection for the most vulnerable. The inquiry uncovered deeply painful truths, offered a platform for those affected to share their stories, and sought to ensure lessons are learned to prevent future tragedies. While no legal process can erase the pain of loss, the outcome of the inquiry serves as a catalyst for meaningful and lasting improvements."
