Southport Killer Axel Rudakubana Threatens Prison Staff After Attack

An alarming incident at Belmarsh Prison has raised serious concerns about security, as convicted murderer Axel Rudakubana has reportedly made further threats against prison staff following an attack where he scalded a guard with hot water from a kettle. The 18-year-old is currently serving a lengthy sentence of 52 years for the murders of three young girls: Bebe King, six; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine.

Rudakubana’s recent behavior has necessitated heightened security measures. He is now permitted to leave his cell only when accompanied by five officers clad in riot gear, a highly unusual protocol. Additionally, he has been banned from using any IT systems within the prison, including the intranet, which limits his ability to order items from the canteen or engage in educational courses.

The investigation into Rudakubana’s actions intensified after an incident on May 8, when he allegedly threw boiling water at a prison officer, prompting cries for help that alerted other staff members. Such incidents contribute to growing scrutiny over safety in British prisons, particularly in light of previous attacks, including one involving Manchester Arena bomber Hashem Abedi at HMP Frankland.

Described as the Most Dangerous Prisoner

A source familiar with the situation described Rudakubana as potentially the most dangerous prisoner in Britain. Staff members have expressed fear for their safety, noting that threats made by inmates are documented, especially when they involve explicit intentions to cause harm. Rudakubana’s history of violence and threats has raised alarms within the prison system.

A report from the last inspection of Belmarsh Prison revealed that there were 103 assaults against staff in the year leading up to June 2024, with 11 of those classified as serious. The ongoing situation with Rudakubana has intensified discussions about prison security and management practices, as staff worry that his threats may escalate further.

Rudakubana is currently housed in the same secure unit as Hashem Abedi, who previously attacked three prison guards with cooking oil and a makeshift weapon. The convergence of these high-profile cases has prompted a review of protocols and safety measures within the prison system.

Inquiry Highlights Systemic Failures

The inquiry into the murders committed by Rudakubana has uncovered significant systemic failures that allowed him to perpetrate his crimes. Inquiry chair Sir Adrian Fulford noted a “wholesale and general failure” to prevent Rudakubana’s violent tendencies from escalating. Factors identified included his access to violent materials online and his ability to leave home unsupervised.

In his opening statements, Sir Adrian highlighted Rudakubana’s known inclination towards violence, stating that he posed a “very serious and significant risk of violent harm.” This risk was underscored by Rudakubana’s history, which included being expelled from school for violent behavior and multiple referrals to intervention programs after researching violent acts online.

In the preceding years, Rudakubana had acquired a range of weapons, including a knife purchased online using a private VPN. His fascination with violence was well-documented, with a collection of literature that included works on warfare and historical atrocities.

The implications of Rudakubana’s case extend beyond individual safety concerns; they reflect broader issues within the correctional system that require urgent attention. The Prison Service has not commented on the ongoing developments, but the public and prison staff alike await further information regarding safety protocols and the management of high-risk inmates.

As the investigation continues, the need for comprehensive reforms in the prison system becomes increasingly clear, particularly in addressing the risks posed by individuals like Rudakubana. The safety of prison staff and the integrity of the correctional system depend on the lessons learned from this troubling case.