“Alice was the best baby anyone could have as a first-time parent; slept long nights, peacefully quiet and always smiley. As she grew up, we really took notice of what a wonderful girl she was turning out to be.
“Alice was always a very kind girl, who valued equality and fairness at the core. A world of possibilities awaited her, a best friend anyone could ask for. We were so lucky and privileged to have her. Every day felt like a gift. Alice was a beautiful girl, perfect in every way; loved her school, her friends, music, dance, colourful pens and friendship bracelets. She loved Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and Sabrina Carpenter.
“She was a strong and confident pre-teen with a world of dreams and unlimited potential. We just wanted to see her happy, and that was the easiest job in the world.
“Our bond was very strong, the love in the family was pure. Life was a bliss.
“Our dream girl has been taken away in such a horrible, undeserving way that it shattered our souls. We’re heartbroken that we can never help Alice fulfil her dreams, we can’t hug her anymore, brush her hair, take her to school through her beloved Botanic Gardens. We can no longer wake up with Alice’s happy smile, being playful or get a morning kiss and hug from her. The simple joys of life can no longer be enjoyed because it feels like there’s no point.
“Living without Alice is not living at all. It’s a state of permanent numbness. We can’t see her pictures or videos; they take us back to a time when we were so happy and now we’re in constant pain.”
The family of Alice De Silva Aguiar, speaking in court yesterday after Axel Rudakubana was sentenced to 52 years for murdering their daughter, along with Elsie Dot Stancombe and Bebe King. There are no words for the heartbreak and pain of this family, nor all the families affected. The destruction of their lives and dreams is impossible to bear. The most chilling detail is what The Daily Mail called "unspeakable injuries" inflicted on Bebe King. Her mother requested restrictions on the details of those injuries. No words can express the nation's hatred towards Axel Rudakubana, who deserves to be hanged. His sickening rampage in Southport last July has scarred our memories. He is the personification of evil.
May Alice De Silva Aguiar, Else Dot Stancombe, and Bebe King all rest in peace. Deepest condolences to their families, to the families of children who were almost murdered by Rudakubana, and the Southport community. Gratitude to the Merseyside Police.
