Southport killer Axel Rudakubana manipulating the system, families' lawyer says

Southport killer Axel Rudakubana manipulating the system, families' lawyer saysImage source, Family photosImage caption, Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice da Silva Aguiar were killed in the 29 July 2024 attackByOlivia IrelandPublished24 July 2026, 10:22 BSTUpdated 15 minutes agoA lawyer for the families of the children murdered by Southport killer Axel Rudakubana says his transfer from prison to Broadmoor psychiatric hospital is an attempt by him to "manipulate the system". Rudakubana, 19, was given a life sentence for the murder of three children - Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, Bebe King, 6, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7 - and attempted murder of eight other children and two adults.On Thursday, Rudakubana was moved from HMP Belmarsh to a high-security psychiatric hospital in Berkshire. Prisoners who present a risk to staff, other inmates or themselves because of mental disorders can be moved to psychiatric units under the Mental Health Act.Next Wednesday marks two years since Rudakubana carried out the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on 29 July 2024.Lawyer Chris Walker, who represents the three bereaved families, said they were made aware of the transfer in 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," he added."We have been given the barest of details and whilst we are supporting the families through this we are urgently seeking a meeting with the appropriate authorities to understand the situation before commenting further."In May 2025 there was an investigation after Rudakubana allegedly attacked a prison officer with boiling water.The Southport Public Inquiry has heard evidence about his past mental health conditions.Confirming the transfer on Thursday, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said the f...