Breaking News: Axel Rudakubana Transferred to Psychiatric Hospital
Axel Rudakubana, who killed three children at a dance class in Southport, has been moved from prison to a secure psychiatric hospital. The Ministry of Justice confirmed his transfer from HMP Belmarsh to Broadmoor, a high-security psychiatric facility in Berkshire.
Rudakubana murdered Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, Bebe King, six, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in July 2024. He received a 52-year prison sentence in January 2025. Due to his age at the time of the crime, the judge could not impose a whole life order.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson stated that the transfer followed an independent clinical assessment under the Mental Health Act. Rudakubana will remain at Broadmoor until deemed fit to return to prison. His sentence of 52 years remains unchanged.
The cost of his care in Broadmoor is expected to be higher than in prison. Reports indicate that a secure hospital bed costs around £270,000 annually, compared to £97,740 for a prisoner in Belmarsh.
