A lawyer representing the families of three children murdered by Axel Rudakubana has stated that his transfer from prison to a high-security psychiatric hospital is an attempt to "manipulate the system." Rudakubana, 19, received a life sentence for the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, Bebe King, 6, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and the attempted murder of eight other children and two adults.
On Thursday, Rudakubana was moved from HMP Belmarsh to a secure psychiatric facility in Berkshire. Prisoners with mental disorders posing a risk to themselves, staff, or other inmates can be transferred to psychiatric units under the Mental Health Act. The move comes just over a week before the second anniversary of the attack, which occurred on July 29, 2024, during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.
Chris Walker, the lawyer for the bereaved families, said they were informed of the transfer 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 stated. He added that the families have been given minimal details and are urgently seeking a meeting with authorities to understand the situation.
Rudakubana was given a 52-year prison sentence in January 2025. However, the judge could not impose a whole life order because Rudakubana was 17 at the time of the attack. He is unlikely to ever be released. An investigation was launched in May 2025 after Rudakubana allegedly attacked a prison officer with boiling water.
The Southport Public Inquiry has heard evidence regarding his past mental health conditions. The Ministry of Justice confirmed the transfer on Thursday, emphasizing that it does not alter Rudakubana's sentence. The ministry stated that the families of those murdered and injured will forever be in the country's heart and that their thoughts remain with them.