Axel Rudakubana charged with assaults on Belmarsh prison staff
The 19-year-old, serving life for Southport murders, faces four new charges at Westminster Magistrates' Court
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Axel Rudakubana, who is serving a life sentence for the murders of three children in Southport, has been charged with assaulting prison staff at HMP Belmarsh. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the charges on 31 July 2025, following incidents that occurred between May and October 2025.
Rudakubana, now 19, was sentenced in 2024 to a minimum of 52 years in prison for the killings of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven. He also attempted to murder eight other children and two adults during a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on 29 July 2024.
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Details of the charges
The Metropolitan Police stated that Rudakubana faces four charges. These include assault on an emergency worker on 6 May 2025, attempted grievous bodily harm on 8 May 2025, possession of an offensive weapon in prison on 26 June 2025, and a second assault on an emergency worker on 28 October 2025. He was formally charged on 28 July 2025.
In May 2024, it was reported that Rudakubana had poured boiling water from a kettle over a prison officer. The Ministry of Justice confirmed on 25 July 2025 that he had since been transferred to Broadmoor Hospital, a high-security psychiatric facility in Berkshire.
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What happens next
Rudakubana is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court via videolink on 11 September 2025. The court will determine the next steps in the case, including whether it will proceed to a higher court for trial.
Under the Mental Health Act, prisoners can be transferred to secure psychiatric units if clinical professionals assess them as requiring treatment. Rudakubana’s transfer to Broadmoor Hospital means he will undergo compulsory treatment and therapy before any potential return to prison or release into the community.
Questions this report answers
+What charges is Axel Rudakubana facing?
Axel Rudakubana faces four charges, including two counts of assault on emergency workers, attempted grievous bodily harm, and possession of an offensive weapon in prison. These incidents occurred between May and October 2025 while he was held at HMP Belmarsh.
+When will Axel Rudakubana appear in court?
Rudakubana is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court via videolink on 11 September 2025. The court will decide whether the case moves to a higher court for trial or further proceedings.
+Why was Axel Rudakubana moved to Broadmoor Hospital?
Rudakubana was transferred to Broadmoor Hospital in July 2025 after clinical professionals assessed him as requiring secure psychiatric care. This means he will receive compulsory treatment and therapy before any potential return to prison.
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