Sky News presenter Sarah Jane Mee became visibly emotional on live television as she reported on the harrowing details of the sentencing of Southport murderer Axel Rudakubana.
While reading a report from Liverpool Crown Court, Mee paused to gather herself and requested a moment to “take a breath” after sharing the chilling details of the attack.
The Details of the Attack and Mee’s Emotional Reaction
Mee, who had been interviewing Tawhid Islam from the Liverpool Muslim Council about the importance of community unity, shifted to covering the details of the horrific attack that occurred during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, Merseyside, last July.
She warned viewers that the information she was about to deliver was particularly distressing.
Mee went on to explain that the prosecutor, Deanna Heer KC, was detailing the moments when businessman Jonathan Hayes tried to stop Rudakubana’s violent actions.
According to the prosecution, Rudakubana approached Hayes with a knife, stabbing him in the leg before he fell to the ground, crying out for help.
It was also revealed that window cleaners, passing by the building, heard the class instructor, Leanne Lucas, shouting in horror after seeing children being attacked.
One of the window cleaners attempted to enter the building but retreated after spotting Rudakubana holding a knife at the top of the stairs, standing over the lifeless body of Bebe King.
The Devastating Impact on Victims’ Families
The court proceedings were deeply emotional for all those involved, especially the victims’ families.
As Mee continued to relay the details of the attack, she became visibly upset off-camera, unable to hold back tears.
After taking a brief pause, she composed herself before expressing the importance of the day for the victims’ families and their ongoing trauma.
Rudakubana’s Disturbing Confession and the Court’s Atmosphere
The court continued to reveal the extent of Rudakubana’s brutality.
The 18-year-old defendant, who had previously admitted to the murders of three young girls, made a chilling remark in custody, saying, “I’m glad they’re dead.”
The prosecutor described the killings as “sadistic in nature,” with the three victims—Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven—dying from multiple stab wounds after the attack on July 29, 2024.
The court was also shown disturbing CCTV footage, which depicted one of the victims attempting to escape the building but being pulled back in by Rudakubana.
The footage evoked loud gasps and sobs from the public gallery, leaving family members visibly distressed.
Several relatives were unable to control their emotions during the screening, with one woman crying uncontrollably as the video played.
Rudakubana’s Chaotic Outburst and the Court’s Tense Atmosphere
Throughout the hearing, Rudakubana disrupted the proceedings with loud outbursts.
He repeatedly shouted, “It’s not my fault, I feel ill,” and demanded medical attention, causing several family members to react angrily.
Some shouted at him, calling him a “coward” as he was escorted from the courtroom.
As the proceedings continued, the judge, Mr. Justice Goose, described the attack as “premeditated” and “planned” with the intent to kill young victims.
The emotional toll on those present was undeniable, with more than 30 family members in the public gallery and even more seated in a nearby annex.
The court’s emotional and distressing atmosphere served as a somber reminder of the brutal nature of the crime and the lasting impact on the families of the victims.
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