Southport killer faces new charges after alleged prison assaults

Axel Rudakubana, who was sentenced for the murders of three young girls in Southport, has appeared in court facing new charges related to alleged assaults on prison officers at Belmarsh. Rudakubana, now 20, is accused of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, two counts of assaulting an emergency worker, and possession of an offensive weapon in prison. He appeared via video link from Broadmoor psychiatric hospital.

Allegations at Belmarsh

During a hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, prosecutors outlined several alleged incidents. On May 8 of last year, Rudakubana is accused of throwing boiling water mixed with sugar at a prison officer through a hatch on his cell door. Two days prior, he allegedly threatened to "soak" a female officer with an unspecified liquid if she did not provide him with a newspaper. On October 28 of the previous year, he is accused of punching a male officer who challenged him as he attempted to walk past staff checking medication.

Further allegations state that in June of last year, Rudakubana sharpened stone shards, apparently prised from his cell floor, and hid them. These were discovered attached to a shelving unit. When questioned by a prison officer about the sharpened stones, Rudakubana reportedly stated he was keeping them for self-defence. Following the alleged boiling water incident, Rudakubana claimed prison officers had been poisoning his food, the court was told.

Previous Conviction and Remand

Rudakubana was previously given a life sentence for the murders of nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar, six-year-old Bebe King, and seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe. He was also convicted of the attempted murder of eight other children and two adults. These attacks occurred on July 29, 2024, during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Rudakubana did not enter pleas during the hearing and was remanded in custody. He is scheduled to appear next at the Old Bailey on October 19.