Axel Rudakubana, the 20-year-old convicted of murdering three children in Southport, has appeared in court facing additional charges relating to assaults on prison staff and possession of offensive weapons. The defendant appeared via video link at Westminster Magistrates’ Court from Broadmoor secure psychiatric hospital.
Prosecutor Catherine Pattinson revealed that Rudakubana is accused of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to a prison officer at HMP Belmarsh on May 8 last year. The charge stems from an allegation that he threw a mixture of boiling water and sugar through the hatch in his cell door. Pattinson noted that prompt medical attention was provided, ensuring the officer avoided lasting injury.
The prosecution detailed further incidents involving staff members. On May 6, 2025, Rudakubana allegedly threatened to soak a female officer with liquid if she did not hand him a newspaper, subsequently throwing an unknown substance at her through his cell door. Additionally, he is charged with punching a male officer in the face on October 28 of the previous year while the officer was checking on the defendant’s medication intake.
Further charges include possession of a knife or offensive weapon while incarcerated. Prosecutors stated that sharpened stone fragments, apparently pried from the floor of his cell, were discovered attached to the underside of a shelving unit. When confronted by staff, Rudakubana claimed the items were intended for self-defense.
Rudakubana, who was wearing a pale grey and blue tracksuit top during the hearing, spoke only to confirm he could hear the chief magistrate and to provide his name and date of birth. He rested his head on his hand throughout the proceedings and was not asked to enter formal pleas. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on October 19.
The teenager is currently serving 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 during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in July 2024. He was also convicted of attempted murder charges regarding eight other children and two adults involved in the attack.
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