Mum’s call for change and accountability

THE mum of Southport murder victim Bebe King described constantly seeing the killer's “evil eyes” - and angrily demanded accountability for her failed daughter.

- BY PATRICK EDRICH

Six-year-old Bebe's mum Lauren, 42, told the ongoing Southport Inquiry how her daughter's “life was stolen because systems failed her’, adding: “We stand here because we want change.”

Supported by Bebe’s dad Ben, 43, Lauren told the inquiry: “The truth must be faced. Accountability must be taken. And real change must be made. Because this was preventable. It should never have happened. And no other child, no other family, no other community should ever endure what we now live with every single day”

Occasionally pausing to hold back her sobs, Mrs King added: “Bebe was not just a victim. She was not just a name in a report. I repeat ~ she was a six-year-old little girl with a spark that lit up every room she entered. She was joyful, hilarious, magical. And while nothing said in this inquiry will ever bring her back, it can ~ and must - ensure that her death is not in vain”

Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were also killed by teenage knifeman Axel Rudakubana during the attack on July 29 last year. Ten people suffered injuries, including teacher Leanne Lucas, while another 16 also survived but continue to live with the emotional scars of the attack.