In 12 years as a journalist, I’ve never sat through such a harrowing court hearing. It was impossible not to be moved to tears hearing the horrific injuries suffered by children as young as six

Axel Rudakubana, 18, was sentenced to life with a minimum of 52 years for carrying out the horrific attack which was described as a “pre-meditated attempt to commit indiscriminate mass murder”.

Axel Rudakubana was detained for life with a minimum term of 52 years, but the judge said it is likely he will never be released. Alice da Silva Aguiar, who was nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, died in his attack. Rudakubana also attempted to murder eight other children and two adults.