Summary

Watch: Teenager sentenced to minimum of 49 years in prison

Live Reporting

By Andrew Woodger and Danny Fullbrook, with Brian Farmer and Nicola Haseler reporting from Luton Crown Court

  1. Killer was planning a mass school shooting

    Having murdered his family, Prosper left the Leabank flat with a loaded shotgun and set off on foot.

    He was apprehended in Bramingham Road by police officers, who found the gun and more than 30 cartridges hidden in a nearby bush.

    Police have since confirmed he intended to carry out an attack at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Luton - the school he had once attended.

    Det Ch Insp Sam Khanna, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said the investigation left him with "no doubt" this was Prosper's intention.

    "Fortunately Prosper was apprehended before he could cause any further harm," he added.

    The outside of St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, showing a sign, a walkway, a brick building to the right and a school in the distance. There are metal railings in the middle.

  2. Tributes paid to 'strong, loving mother' and her children

    A composite image showing Juliana Prosper (long hair, wearing a blue T-shirt and backpack), Kyle Prosper (wearing a grey suit jacket with buttoned up black shirt), and Giselle Prosper (smiling, thumb ups, wearing a jumper).Bedfordshire Police

    Juliana Falcon, 48, and her children Kyle, 16, and Giselle, 13, were declared dead at the scene

    Tributes were paid to Prosper's victims following the murders.

    In a family statement, Juliana Falcon, 48, was described as a "strong, loving mother".

    "In her spare time, she was a keen athlete and enjoyed raising money for charity – she was always putting others first," the statement read.

    Kyle Prosper, 16, was a keen football and boxing fan who was said to be "kind and funny".

    The tribute continued: "He was creative and thriving on TikTok; a big talent with massive potential. Kyle’s friends were his everything."

    Those who knew Giselle Prosper, 13, said she was a "beautiful soul and caring young girl".

    "She liked to laugh lots and loved her family and big brothers," the statement added.

    "She was so lovable with an infectious smile. She was also an exceptional pupil at school and was loved dearly by her friends in Year 9."

  3. What can we expect to happen?

    If you’re not familiar with the court system, here’s what’s likely to happen today.

    The BBC has reporters in court, along with other journalists from broadcasters and national newspapers. We will first all listen to the prosecution outline the facts of the case.

    The mandatory sentence for murder is life imprisonment, but the judge will have to set a minimum term that Nicholas Prosper must serve before he can be considered for release on parole.

    In some cases, the judge can hand down a "whole-life tariff" - a case of "life meaning life" with no chance of parole.

    Prosecutor Timothy Kray KC will set out aggravating factors as to why Prosper should get a higher minimum sentence.

    In this part of the hearing, we might hear an impact statement read on behalf of the victims' other family members.

    Then Prosper's defence barrister, David Bentley KC, will present mitigation on his behalf, setting out reasons as to why he should get a lower sentence.

    Once that is all done, the judge, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb, will weigh up both arguments on what sentence she will pass.

  4. How an older sibling became a triple murderer

    Custody mugshot of Nicholas Prosper, who is wearing black glasses and has black hair. He has a serious expression on his face.Bedfordshire Police

    Nicholas Prosper admitted the murders during a previous hearing in February

    Nicholas Prosper used a shotgun he'd illegally purchased to murder his mum, brother and sister at their flat in Luton.

    Having heard gunshots, a neighbour at the Leabank building called the police at 05:30 BST on 13 September last year.

    Officers arriving at the property, in the Marsh Farm area of the town, said they were "met with such awful circumstances".

    Prosper's 48-year-old mum, Juliana Falcon, was found dead, alongside his brother Kyle, 16, and 13-year-old sister, Giselle.

    The killer himself was apprehended by police in nearby Bramingham Road. Officers found a loaded shotgun and more than 30 cartridges he'd hidden in a bush.

    Police believed Prosper was on his way to commit a mass shooting at his former primary school.

    He was taken to custody before being charged with:

    • three counts of murder
    • possession of a knife blade in a public place
    • purchasing or acquiring a shotgun without a certificate
    • possession of a shotgun with intent to endanger life

    Prosper admitted all the offences at a hearing in February.

    An inquest at Bedford Coroner's Court in October heard all three of the victims died from gunshot wounds to the head.

  5. Family murderer Nicholas Prosper being sentenced today

    Two male police officers guarding the entrance to the Leabank block of flats. Floral tributes have been left to one side of the door.PA Media

    The attacks took place at a flat in the Marsh Farm area of Luton last September

    Welcome to our coverage of the sentencing of Nicholas Prosper, who murdered his mother and siblings at their home in Luton in September last year.

    The hearing at Luton Crown Court will start at 10:30 GMT, and our reporters in court will bring you the key details on this page.

    We should warn you that the content coming from the courtroom is likely to contain some distressing details.

    Stick with us as we bring you the latest.