Axel Rudakubana, 19, has been transferred from HMP Belmarsh to Broadmoor psychiatric hospital, prompting the families' lawyer to accuse him of trying to "manipulate the system" as the second anniversary of the attack approaches. Rudakubana was convicted of murdering three children and attempting to kill others at a Taylor Swift–themed dance class on 29 July 2024. The Ministry of Justice confirmed the move does not alter his sentence and said the victims' families remain in the nation's thoughts. Bereaved families say they were given little information and are seeking urgent meetings with officials.
Families' Lawyer Says Southport Killer's Transfer To Broadmoor Is An Attempt To 'Manipulate The System' Ahead Of Second Anniversary
Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice da Silva Aguiar were killed in the 29 July 2024 attack [Family photos]
A lawyer representing the families of the children murdered by Axel Rudakubana says the decision to move him from HMP Belmarsh to Broadmoor high-security psychiatric hospital appears to be another attempt by the offender to "manipulate the system."
Rudakubana, 19, was convicted and given a life term for the murders of three children — Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9; Bebe King, 6; and Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7 — and for the attempted murder of eight other children and two adults. The attack took place at a Taylor Swift–themed dance class on 29 July 2024.
On Thursday, authorities moved him from HMP Belmarsh to Broadmoor, a high-security psychiatric hospital in Berkshire. Under the Mental Health Act, prisoners who pose a risk to staff, other inmates or themselves because of a mental disorder can be transferred to secure psychiatric units for treatment and assessment.
Next Wednesday marks the second anniversary of the attack. Lawyer Chris Walker, who represents the three bereaved families, said they were told about the transfer only within the last two days.
"It is safe to say that whilst this news would devastate them at any time, the fact that this has occurred as we approach the second anniversary in our view is another move by AR who would appear to be attempting, once again, to manipulate the system," Walker said. "We have been given the barest of details and whilst we are supporting the families through this we are urgently seeking a meeting with the appropriate authorities to understand the situation before commenting further."
In May 2025 an investigation was opened after prison staff alleged Rudakubana attacked an officer by throwing boiling water. The ongoing Southport Public Inquiry has also heard evidence about his previous mental health history.
The Ministry of Justice confirmed the transfer on Thursday, saying the victims' families remain at the centre of the nation's thoughts and that the move does not change Rudakubana's sentence. In January 2025 he received a 52-year custodial term; the judge could not impose a whole-life order because Rudakubana was 17 at the time of the offence, though officials have said he is unlikely ever to be released.
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