Southport Child Killer Axel Rudakubana Moved to Broadmoor as 52-Year Sentence Stands
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 23
Southport Child Killer Axel Rudakubana Moved to Broadmoor as 52-Year Sentence Stands
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 23
Summary
Axel Rudakubana, 19, has been transferred from HMP Belmarsh to Broadmoor under the Mental Health Act after an independent clinical assessment approved secure psychiatric treatment.
The Ministry of Justice said the move does not alter his 52-year sentence for murdering three girls and injuring 10 others at a Southport dance class in July 2024.
Broadmoor will hold him until he is judged fit to return to prison; officials said ministers approved the transfer after security checks.
The case has already raised mental health concerns: the Southport public inquiry heard evidence about his past conditions, and Rudakubana allegedly attacked a prison officer with boiling water in May 2025.
The transfer is also likely to increase costs sharply, with a secure hospital bed averaging about £270,000 a year versus £97,740 to hold a prisoner at Belmarsh.