Tom Symonds

Axel Rudakubana, who murdered three children and injured eight children and two adults at a Southport dance class in July 2024, has been transferred from HMP Belmarsh to Broadmoor Hospital following an independent clinical assessment under the Mental Health Act. The move does not alter his 52-year sentence, which he is expected to serve in full; he must return to prison when he no longer requires hospital treatment. The transfer follows evidence about his mental-health history and an alleged attack on a prison officer, while Broadmoor provides high-security assessment and treatment for men.

Axel Rudakubana, who was sentenced to 52 years for murdering three children and injuring eight children and two adults at a Southport dance class, has been transferred from HMP Belmarsh to Broadmoor under the Mental Health Act. The move followed an independent clinical assessment and does not alter his sentence; he is expected to return to prison if he no longer requires hospital treatment. The transfer follows an alleged prison assault and evidence concerning his mental health, violence-related behaviour and neurodiversity presented to the Southport Public Inquiry. Broadmoor is substantially more expensive to operate than a prison and will house him in a high-security psychiatric unit while he is assessed.