Man serving life sentence accused of attacking prison officer

A man serving a life sentence for murder is accused of attacking a prison officer at Belmarsh prison by throwing boiling water mixed with sugar at him. Axel Rudakubana, 20, faces charges including attempt to cause grievous bodily harm and assault on an emergency worker.

The alleged incident occurred on May 8 last year. The court heard that prompt medical attention prevented lasting injury to the officer. Rudakubana appeared via video link from Broadmoor psychiatric hospital for the hearing and did not enter pleas. He has been remanded to appear at the Old Bailey on October 19.

Further Allegations

Prosecutor Catherine Pattison told the court that Rudakubana has been involved in a number of incidents since his incarceration, resulting in four charges. These include an alleged threat to 'soak' a female officer two days before the boiling water incident if she did not pass him a newspaper, followed by the throwing of an 'unknown liquid' at her. On a separate occasion, he allegedly punched a male officer who challenged him when he attempted to walk past officers checking medication.

In June last year, prison staff found sharpened stone shards, apparently taken from the floor of his cell and attached to a shelving unit, in Rudakubana's possession. He reportedly told an officer he was keeping the stones for self-defence. Following the alleged boiling water attack, Rudakubana claimed prison officers had been poisoning his food.

The Ministry of Justice confirmed earlier this year that Rudakubana had been transferred from prison to the high-security psychiatric hospital. He is serving a life sentence for the murder of three young girls.