Axel Rudakubana, 18, has been sentenced to 52 years behind bars for murdering 3 little girls and the attempted murder of at least 10 others at a dance class last year in Southport. The judge says it’s highly unlikely Rudakubana will ever be released. Rudakubana pleaded guilty on Monday to the murders of Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, and Bebe King, 6. He also admitted to producing ricin, possessing terrorist material, and possessing a knife.

The Met Office has issued rare red weather warnings, meaning there is a danger to life, as Storm Éowyn batters the UK. The worst disruption is due to hit Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland, with gusts of up to 100mph (161km/h) expected in some coastal areas. Millions of people are being urged to stay at home and widespread travel disruption is expected, with some flights and ferry crossings already cancelled.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has been elected taoiseach (prime minister) of Ireland for the second time, following intense debates in the Dáil (Ireland’s lower house of Parliament). The Dáil faced multiple suspensions on Wednesday due to heated exchanges between the government and opposition parties.  

President Donald Trump has called on Saudi Arabia and other OPEC nations to reduce oil prices, warning that high costs are prolonging the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump expressed surprise that OPEC hadn’t acted to lower prices before the elections, emphasising the impact on global stability.  

Almost every front page of the Friday national newspapers led with pictures of the three young girls who were murdered in Southport last summer as they attended a dance class. The papers’ lead articles react to the 52-year sentencing of the killer Axel Rudakubana, the opportunities missed to stop him from carrying out his horrific crime and the statements from the parents of the victims.

Elsewhere, the UK is bracing for 100mph winds as Storm Eowyn barrels down on the country.

The back pages lead on English football teams, with Manchester United’s 2-1 win in the Europa League the most prominent.

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