The Southport triple killer will find the attention he sought to be a curse as he faces life in prison, according to one expert. Axel Rudakubana was handed a life sentence yesterday with a minimum of 52 years for the murder and attempted murder of innocent children and their teachers in July 2024.
Last summer the deranged teen embarked on a horrific spree at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, armed with a kitchen knife, and slaughtered three young children in a frenzied attack. Nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar, six-year-old Bebe King, and seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe were savagely killed in the massacre.
This week Rudakubana admitted to all charges and is set to spend his remaining days behind bars. He won’t be eligible for parole until he’s nearly 70, and the Mirror reports the presiding judge remarked it is improbable he’ll ever be released.
Mr Justice Goose, during sentencing, stated: “In just 15 minutes, Rudakubana murdered three children and attempted to murder eight other children and two adults. He was prevented from murdering more only by the escape of other children. He will serve almost the whole of his life in custody. I consider it likely he will never be released, and he will be in custody for all of his life.”
Throughout the trial, the court witnessed Rudakubana’s lack of remorse for his heinous crimes, as he instead chose to boast to the police about the murders, coldly stating: “I’m glad they’re dead”. He even expressed twisted satisfaction one of his victims was only six years old.
However when confronted in court, Rudakubana’s true nature was revealed as he largely refused to speak and hid behind a mask or his hoodie. Many have chosen not to utter his name aloud, and the parents of one of the injured children have vowed he will not achieve the notoriety he apparently seeks.
They said: “He will not win though. He will not gain the notoriety he so desperately craves. He will not be remembered. When we think of Southport, we will think of the girls. Their bravery. Their strength.”
According to criminologist and psychologist Alex Iszatt, Rudakubana’s deep-seated fixation on extreme violence stems from a twisted “desire for control, recognition and perhaps a legacy”. She explained: “This craving for destruction seemed to be an attempt to leave a mark on the world as if violence was the only way to gain the recognition long sought.”
Rudakubana may find his notorious reputation to be a significant disadvantage behind bars, where it is expected he will face disdain, anger, and even violence from other prisoners.
John Eastham, a senior investigator and expert on prison behaviour, told the Mirror: “Axel Rudakubana’s life behind bars will be shaped by his age, the media scrutiny of his crimes, and his behaviour both in court and within the prison system.
“At just 18, Rudakubana may be housed in a young offenders’ institution or a segregated unit within an adult prison for his protection. However, the nature of his crimes and the extensive media coverage mean he is likely to face hostility from fellow inmates. High-profile offenders, particularly those involved in violent or high-profile crimes, often become targets in prison.”
Mr Eastham, associated with British Lie Detector Test, suggested Rudakubana could be isolated following violent incidents in prison, which risks further limiting his opportunities for social interaction. He continued to express concern regarding Rudakubana’s courtroom behaviour, highlighting disruptions and a clear absence of remorse, which raises questions about his potential to engage with rehabilitation efforts.
“Reports of his satisfaction with the tragedy he caused point to a troubling lack of accountability and empathy, which could hinder his participation in programmes designed to address behavioural issues and reduce the risk of reoffending. That said, the prison system does offer structured opportunities for reflection and reform.”
Rudakubana has been sentenced to a lengthy term behind bars, giving him decades to reflect on his grave offences — likely spent in the isolation of a single cell. Mr Eastham said: “His current disposition suggests that meaningful rehabilitation will require a major shift in his attitude and mindset”, casting doubt on whether Rudakubana is capable of change.
Detailing potential consequences of the convict’s notoriety, Mr Eastham stated: “Ultimately, while the prison environment provides avenues for growth, Rudakubana’s notoriety and the violent nature of his crimes are likely to make him a target among inmates. This could result in a more challenging and isolated prison experience, which may further complicate his future.”
Furthermore former inmate Rich Jones, no stranger to the prison system, warned violence is likely in Rudakubana’s future. He told the Liverpool Echo: “If people can get to him they will get to him and it will be a matter of once he gets on the wings, if someone has an axe to grind in there, and they want to grind it, they will grind it with him because of what he has done.”
Rich, a British Army veteran who did a seven-year stint for conspiracy to supply cocaine, predicts a version of justice administered by fellow prisoners, stating: “There will be some sort of justice somewhere down the line, and it will be something he has to deal with for the rest of his life.”
He also anticipated Rudakubana might find himself facing repeated segregation and a “really bumpy ride” during his incarceration.
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