Axel Rudakubana, the Southport killer, is set to stand trial next year over allegations he threw boiling water mixed with sugar at a prison officer. The 20-year-old, from Banks, Lancashire, appeared at the Old Bailey on Monday afternoon via video link from Broadmoor high-security psychiatric hospital.
He faces charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, two counts of assaulting an emergency worker and possession of an offensive weapon in prison. The charges relate to his time as a serving prisoner at HMP Belmarsh in south London. Rudakubana was not asked to enter pleas during the hearing.
Trial date set for October
Judge Mark Lucraft KC, the Recorder of London, set a provisional two-week trial for October 4 next year. A further review hearing is scheduled for February 5.
According to the Liverpool Echo, Rudakubana is alleged to have thrown boiling water mixed with sugar through the hatch on his cell door at a prison officer on May 8, 2025. Prompt medical attention reportedly prevented the officer from suffering any lasting injury.
Additional alleged incidents
Two days before the hot water incident, Rudakubana allegedly threatened to "soak" a female officer outside his cell if she did not pass him a newspaper, before throwing a liquid at her. He is also accused of punching a male prison officer in the face on October 28 last year when challenged about taking medication.
On June 26 last year, sharpened stone shards allegedly prised from the floor of his cell were found stuck to the underside of a shelving unit.
Background and current status
Rudakubana, who wore a grey Slazenger hoodie and had bushy black hair, spoke only to confirm his name during the 15-minute hearing. He was flanked by three members of staff at the hospital.
He was charged with the offences in July this year and made his first appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court last month. Rudakubana is serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 52 years for the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and the attempted murder of eight other children and two adults at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport in July 2024.
Rudakubana was transferred from HMP Belmarsh to Broadmoor in July this year. Offenders who present an increased risk and cannot be managed safely in a prison environment because of mental disorders can be moved to secure psychiatric units, where they are treated as patients rather than prisoners. Such offenders are compelled to engage with treatment and therapies before any return to prison or release into the community.
