A taxi driver lost his license after waiting for 50 minutes before contacting the authorities following a drop-off involving the Southport killer. Gary Poland drove Axel Rudakubana to Hart Space in Southport on July 29, 2024, before the teenager carried out a fatal knife attack that resulted in the deaths of three children and injuries to several others. The Southport Inquiry findings indicated that the tragic incident could have been prevented if appropriate actions had been taken by relevant agencies.
During the inquiry, it was revealed that Mr. Poland left the scene of the attack after hearing screams and witnessing children fleeing due to what he thought were gunshots. Instead of immediately informing the police, he made two phone calls to a friend before taking on another passenger. Mr. Poland later contacted the authorities from his home to provide information about Rudakubana.
Subsequently, Mr. Poland’s actions were scrutinized in a licensing investigation, leading to the decision by Sefton Council to revoke his taxi driver license due to failure to meet required standards. Despite an unsuccessful appeal, he was deemed unfit to hold a private hire license. The inquiry highlighted systemic failures that could have prevented the murders, emphasizing the need for prompt reporting of crimes witnessed by taxi drivers.
The Department for Transport is expected to implement a recommendation requiring licensed taxi drivers to report criminal activities promptly while on duty. As for Mr. Poland, he no longer holds a taxi driver’s license in Southport. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood acknowledged the failures identified in the inquiry and pledged government action to address the issues and protect the public.
The inquiry is set to resume with a preliminary hearing next week before the second phase begins in September, aiming to further investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic events.
