A statement from Patrick Hurley MP: “Today’s guilty plea brings us a step closer to justice for the victims and their families affected by the hideous atrocity in Southport on July 29, 2024. There will be no celebrations or jubilation today, but today marks a milestone along the way as our town begins to recover.
“Southport will never be the same after the devastating attack at the heart of our community and the loss of three of our town’s daughters. I am very grateful that the culprit will now face justice after Thursday’s sentencing hearing for the murder of those three young girls and the attempted murder of ten others.
“This horrific attack has left scars on our community, but it is in times like these that we must come together to support the families who have endured an unimaginable loss. I have been humbled by the strength and unity of our town. I have been proud to see the best of our community in the past six months, organising vigils, laying flowers, and rebuilding our town after the riots that followed the attack, and I know that we can continue to heal and support each other after today’s hearing.
“More widely, questions need to be answered about how and why the killer was able to launch the attack, when his behaviour and interests were evidently cause for concern for law enforcement over a long period. I strongly support measures to get to the bottom of how the state failed so catastrophically.
“Today, most of all, is a day we remember the victims and the devastating consequences for the families of those affected. We will always remember the children, the adults who protected them, and all of those affected by this horrific attack.”