Southport murderer Axel Rudakubana has successfully navigated the legal system to secure a transfer to Broadmoor Hospital, according to the Prison Officers’ Association. Rudakubana committed the heinous crime of killing three children and injuring several others during an attack at a dance class in Southport in July 2024.

The Ministry of Justice confirmed on Thursday that Rudakubana, who was previously held at HMP Belmarsh, has been relocated to Broadmoor, a high-security psychiatric facility in Berkshire. Despite the transfer, officials emphasized that he will remain incarcerated and is not expected to be released.

Representing the grieving families, Chris Walker from Bond Turner expressed dismay over Rudakubana’s transfer, suggesting it was another attempt by him to manipulate the system. The families are seeking clarification from authorities before making further statements.

Mark Fairhurst, Chairman of the Prison Officers’ Association, criticized Rudakubana for exploiting the system to gain privileges as a patient at Broadmoor, which poses risks to staff members. He advocated for Rudakubana to serve his sentence in solitary confinement in a regular prison.

Former prison officer and junior housing minister Sally Jameson voiced concerns about Rudakubana receiving benefits at Broadmoor, emphasizing that he will not be granted any such privileges. She highlighted the stringent security measures in place at high-security hospitals like Broadmoor and assured that Rudakubana will return to prison promptly.

Rudakubana, a resident of Banks, Lancashire, was sentenced to life imprisonment in January 2025 with a minimum term of 52 years for his crimes. His transfer to Broadmoor was authorized by officials but does not affect his original sentence.

The Department for Work and Pensions clarified that individuals moved from prisons to hospitals are ineligible for benefits. Officials underscored that Rudakubana’s transfer was approved following a clinical assessment and stringent security checks, with his sentence remaining unchanged at 52 years.

Despite the transfer, Rudakubana will serve his entire sentence, and his return to prison will be prioritized once deemed fit. The families of the victims in the Southport tragedy remain in the nation’s thoughts, with officials reaffirming that justice will be served in accordance with the law.