Axel Rudakubana handed NEW sentence after judge made error in initial ruling

Southport murderer Axel Rudakubana has been handed a new sentence today to correct a “technical error” in a judge’s initial ruling almost two weeks ago.

Rudakubana’s sentence for three counts of murder has been amended from “custody for life” to “detention at His Majesty’s pleasure” – because he was under 18 at the time of the offence.

But the triple killer refused to leave his cell for his court hearing today – despite being due to appear at Liverpool Crown Court via link from HMP Belmarsh.

Carmel Wilde, defending, told the court: “We understand from staff at Belmarsh that he has refused to leave his cell to attend court or to speak to his legal team.”

It comes after the murderer erupted into various tirades during his sentencing in January – meaning he had to be excused from the courtroom.

Justice Goose, who sentenced Rudakubana, said: “I’m going to continue with these proceedings for the time being,” but the 18-year-old interrupted, saying: “I feel ill, judge. I feel ill. I’m going to pass out. No. I can’t continue with this.”

The judge responded by saying: “I’ve asked you to be quiet.”

The prosecution was asked to continue but Rudakubana shouted: “I can’t continue with this, judge. No, no it can’t continue judge. I need to speak to a paramedic. I need to speak to a paramedic. My chest is hurting.”

LATEST ON AXEL RUDAKUBANA:

• If Axel Rudakubana were a white teen who had killed three girls of ethnic origin – there would be no debate – Kwasi Kwarteng
• ‘I do NOT want my taxes spent on him!’ Michelle Dewberry says Axel Rudakubana punishment doesn’t go far enough as she demands death penalty
• The MILLIONS it will cost to keep Axel Rudakubana behind bars REVEALED as YOU the taxpayer picks up the tab

As he was escorted out of the hearing, a member of the public gallery shouted “coward” at him.

Goose said today: “The case of the Crown against Axel Rudakubana was listed for mention on the application of the prosecution.

“The purpose of this hearing is to correct a technical error, but which will have no effect on the total sentence imposed on the defendant on January 23 this year.”

The judge said the sentence is “still a life sentence”, but of a different kind, adding: “The defendant has refused to waive his right to attend or to be here.”

Rudakubana’s attitude in court has come under fire before – on the day of his sentencing hearing, policing and crime commentator Danny Shaw told GB News that the murderer was trying to “exert control” over proceedings by causing so much disruption.

“It’s very evident that he hasn’t spoken during the proceedings apart from entering those guilty pleas,” Shaw said.

“But suddenly, when it comes to a hearing at which all the details are going to be laid out about this most appalling massacre that he carried out, that he tries to disrupt the proceedings.

“He was trying to exert control over the proceedings – and the judge actually said: ‘I’m in control of these proceedings, they’re going to continue and you’re going to have to leave the courtroom.'”