Father Tells Inquiry of Son’s Escalating Violence Before Southport Killings

The father of Axel Rudakubana, the 17-year-old jailed for life over the killing of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, has told a public inquiry about his son’s rising violence and instability in the period before the attack.

Axel, who was 17 when he carried out last year’s killings, sparked scenes of unrest across parts of Britain. His father, Alphonse Rudakubana, told the inquiry the teen’s behaviour had become increasingly unpredictable and aggressive.

Alphonse described being physically attacked by his son and recounted repeated threats, saying Axel had warned he would kill him if push came to shove.

He also described a dramatic deterioration in Axel’s demeanour over time. “When he started school he was a lovely boy. By the time he returned to us he was damaged, traumatised and completely changed,” Alphonse said, adding that he shouldered some responsibility for what happened.

Axel was expelled from secondary school in 2019 after admitting to carrying a knife and was moved to a pupil referral unit for excluded students. A teacher from that unit told the inquiry Axel admitted bringing the knife intending to use it — a point Alphonse confirmed, saying the family had been “anguished, shocked and ashamed.”

The hearing also examined the family’s contact with mental health services and the government’s Prevent programme. Alphonse said he and his wife reported certain violent incidents but avoided notifying authorities about every event for fear their son would be removed from the home. “I had no authority as a father,” he acknowledged, describing how he lost control over Axel, including his online activities.

Chaired by a retired senior judge, the inquiry can compel witnesses to give evidence and may make policy recommendations, although those suggestions are not legally enforceable.

The Southport stabbings, which resulted in the deaths of three young girls, continue to highlight the dangers of unchecked youth violence and underline calls for earlier intervention and better mental health support.