Axel Rudakubana, the Southport murderer sentenced to 52 years for killing three girls, has had his prison privileges upgraded from 'basic' to 'standard' after an incident where he allegedly threw boiling water at a guard. The change means he now receives more spending money and increased time outside his cell at HMP Belmarsh.
The standard regime grants Rudakubana greater access to workshops, the library, and the gym, as well as a Freeview TV with about 25 channels and a DVD player. His weekly canteen allowance rises from £5.50 to approximately £20. An insider described the upgrade as 'outrageous', suggesting it amounts to bribing him to behave.
Following the alleged boiling water attack in May, Rudakubana was placed on a four-man unlock, requiring four guards to escort him whenever he left his cell. The prison service stated that violence against staff would not be tolerated and that they would push for the strongest possible punishment.
The unnamed prison officer was taken to hospital after the incident but discharged the same day. The Ministry of Justice declined to comment, and the police continue to investigate the May incident. Rudakubana pleaded guilty to the Southport murders and received a life sentence with a minimum term of 52 years.
