A 16-year-old boy has admitted to terrorism offences after planning a copycat attack inspired by the Southport mass stabbing, a court has heard.
Mimicking the Southport Killer
The youth, who cannot be named due to his age, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to possessing a collection of terrorist documents. These included a recipe for the deadly poison ricin, the same manual used by Axel Rudakubana, who murdered three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance club in July 2024.
The court was told the teenager had researched potential targets linked to the US pop star on the anniversary of the atrocity. He had also travelled to Southport, Merseyside, taking photographs of the seaside town. In a bid to emulate Rudakubana, he purchased a distinctive green hooded top similar to the one worn by the killer.
Online Research and Disturbing Plans
Investigations revealed the boy had extensively researched misogynistic incel culture and high school shootings. He wrote poetry, believed to be AI-generated, 'in honour of Rudakubana' and explored terms like 'spurgcels' – incels with autism – and 'Axelcels'.
His encrypted phone notes contained references to a specific plan for a copycat attack and a secondary idea involving a vehicle or bomb. He also considered attacking his old school, mirroring an earlier plan by Rudakubana.
The teenager's activities came to light in August last year when he called 999 from his grandparents' home. He told the operator he was 'captivated' by violence and had intended to copy the Southport attacker but had 'postponed' it due to a lack of nearby events. Police found a bag of knives from the kitchen at the address.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Appearing before Judge Neil Flewitt KC, the now 17-year-old pleaded guilty to possessing terrorist manuals downloaded between 21 January and 6 May last year. The manuals included the Improvised Munitions Handbook, the Anarchist Cookbook 2000, and the al-Qaeda Training Manual.
Prosecutor Adam Birkby stated that while the defendant had 'ideations' towards the Southport attack, the Crown could not point to a specific terrorist ideology. Consequently, he was not charged with preparing terrorist acts, which carries a life sentence, as targeting schoolchildren and misogynistic attacks are not deemed 'ideological' offences under current law.
The prosecution dropped a separate charge of making threats to kill. Mr Birkby said pursuing it was not in the public interest, given the defendant's age and circumstances.
The youth, who is thought to have autism and was known to mental health and social services, was remanded in detention. Judge Flewitt ordered pre-sentence and psychiatric reports, telling him it was 'highly likely' he would remain in custody longer. Sentencing is scheduled for March.
This case marks the second instance of a teenager seeking to emulate the Southport attacks. In June, a 17-year-old from Cwmbran, South Wales, was arrested after discussing similar plans and researching large knives.
