Rumors circulating about the alleged attack on Axel Rudakubana, the Southport killer, have been decisively denied by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). The 18-year-old, who is currently serving 52 years at HMP Belmarsh for the heinous murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, was reported to have been beaten by fellow inmates, but these claims have been confirmed as false.
According to the MoJ spokesperson, "I can confirm reports of Axel Rudakubana being attacked in prison are inaccurate. He has not been attacked." This denial arose after various social media platforms saw the spread of misinformation, including WhatsApp messages and audio recordings claiming Rudakubana was assaulted by two prisoners serving life sentences.
The rumors were fueled by fear surrounding Rudakubana's safety due to the nature of his crimes. Following his sentencing, Mark Fairhurst, the national chairman of the Prison Officers' Association, indicated the serious risks he faces. "His life will be absolute hell. He is target number one. He'll be looking over his shoulders for the next 52 years," Fairhurst warned, underscoring the high level of hostility child killers usually face within the prison system.
Rudakubana brutally stabbed Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, during the fateful incident last July and attempted to murder others at the same class. Given the ogre-like reputation he has earned, he currently resides separately from the general inmate population to minimize his risks of retribution.
Speculations about his treatment and security are rampant. Rudakubana has been placed on suicide watch and is closely monitored for his safety, indicating the precarious line prison authorities are walking. A former inmate who spoke to the media detailed just how hostile the environment can be for someone who has committed such crimes against children. Ricky Killeen, also once imprisoned, stated, “Every prisoner will want to target him because he killed children. Even small-time prisoners will try to attack him.”
The prison community, particularly those within the notoriously violent HMP Belmarsh, is characterized by its strict social hierarchies, and child murderers sit low on this totem pole. "Child killers are at the bottom of the prison hierarchy," former prison governor Ian Acheson noted. This puts Rudakubana at continuous risk as inmates vie for notoriety and esteem through acts of violence.
The audio recording circulating social media purportedly captures the moment of the alleged attack. The voice note claims two inmates were allowed access to Rudakubana's cell, where they supposedly assaulted him. A spokesperson from the MoJ dismissed these claims as inaccurate, labeling the narrative as baseless rumors propagated by individuals with ulterior motives, particularly connected to anti-immigration rhetoric.
Controversially, certain reports suggested other harmful behaviors might escalate insider prison tension, including speculations about makeshift weapons like “prison napalm”—a concoction of sugar and hot water used as makeshift incendiary devices. This method, alongside other potential weapons crafted from common items like sharpened toothbrushes, provides chilling insight on the possible violent avenues available within the prison system.
Rudakubana is also undergoing assessment by the prison service, with decisions pending about his potential relocation to another high-security facility. Acheson voiced the concerns surrounding Rudakubana’s psychological state, remarking, “The threat he is subject to will be extremely high.” Given his violent tendencies, combined with his history of radicalization interest, authorities are likely to keep him under strict measures for the foreseeable future.
The broader societal and political implications of Rudakubana's case continue to unravel. A public inquiry is being launched to address the systemic failures exemplified by the Southport tragedy, probing how counter-terrorism initiatives, particularly the Prevent scheme, missed opportunities to intervene earlier. Official reviews are expected to divulge ties highlighting failures to recognize threats before they manifest violently.
Government officials have also increased pressure on social media platforms to mitigate harm due to the propagation of false narratives surrounding Rudakubana’s prison experience. The Home Secretary has called for more stringent checks on the sale of knives, emphasizing the need to reduce accessibility to those potentially inclined toward violence.
Despite the rampant speculation surrounding Axel Rudakubana, officials maintain their commitment to keep him safe from threats and prevent misinformation from clouding the truth of his grim reality within the prison walls.