Increased security measures have been implemented at a prison due to the presence of a notorious child murderer, leading to reports of four guards shadowing him outside his cell. Axel Rudakubana, 19, is currently serving a life sentence with a minimum of 52 years for the murder of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. He is held at HMP Belmarsh in South East London, where he has a history of violent incidents, including throwing boiling water on prison officers.
Rudakubana is under strict supervision known as “safe systems,” requiring him to be escorted by at least four prison guards whenever he moves around the facility. An inquiry into the 2024 stabbing incident, which shocked the UK, suggested that the crime could have been prevented if various agencies had addressed the teenager’s behavior in a timely manner.
According to sources, guards are apprehensive about the child killer due to his violent tendencies and the inquiry findings. They fear he may pose a threat and are cautious in their interactions with him, often using body-worn cameras for added security. Despite receiving psychological and therapeutic sessions, Rudakubana’s behavior remains concerning, and officers believe he may commit further attacks while in custody.
Limited resources have resulted in Rudakubana spending a significant amount of time in his cell, sometimes up to 23 hours a day, as he requires multiple escorts at Belmarsh. The Ministry of Justice has been contacted for comment on the situation. In a separate incident in May 2025, Rudakubana allegedly assaulted two officers with boiling water, prompting an investigation by the Ministry of Justice.
The parents of the three girls who lost their lives in the Southport attack have expressed outrage at the killer’s parents, stating they have “blood on their hands.” Legal representatives are calling for disciplinary actions against those responsible for failing to prevent the tragedy, emphasizing the need for swift and thorough proceedings to hold individuals accountable.
