Family Condemns 'Reprehensible' Failures After Southport Tragedy
The family of a young survivor from the devastating Southport stabbings has publicly condemned what they describe as the 'neglectful and cowardly' behaviour of the killer's parents, claiming they failed to prevent the attack that claimed three young lives. The horrifying incident occurred on July 29, 2024, when teenager Axel Rudakubana, then 17, launched a violent rampage at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.
A Preventable Tragedy
In a powerful statement delivered through their legal representatives at the ongoing Southport Inquiry, the parents of the survivor, known as Child C1 to protect her anonymity, stated the attack was entirely preventable. They highlighted 'repeated failures, missed opportunities and a lack of accountability' across multiple agencies and individuals. The family specifically pointed to the 'reprehensible, neglectful and cowardly behaviour of the parents' as a critical factor.
The inquiry heard harrowing details of how Child C1 had attempted to flee the dance class before being dragged back inside by Rudakubana and stabbed 33 times. The attack resulted in the deaths of Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, Bebe King, six, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine. Ten other children, including Child C1, were seriously injured.
Father's Admission and Apology
During his testimony, the killer's father, Alphonse Rudakubana, 49, admitted he knew his son was hoarding large knives and weapons in the weeks leading up to the massacre. He even revealed he had potentially foiled an attempt by his son to set fire to his old school just seven days before the murder spree.
Mr Rudakubana told the victims' parents that his son was a 'monster' who murdered their 'beautiful angels'. He confessed that a lack of 'courage' and 'pure love' for his son had prevented him from reporting his concerns to the police. 'I'm so ashamed I lost the courage to save their little angels,' he said, offering his 'deepest sympathy'.
However, this apology was met with disdain by the families of the victims. Nicholas Bowen KC, representing the parents of the three murdered girls, told Mr Rudakubana that the parents had 'complete disdain for your excuses and the manner in which you have answered questions.'
A Call for Meaningful Accountability
The family of Child C1 remained resolute in their demand for consequences. 'Our children deserve more than a written statement that says “sorry”,' they stated. They emphasised that 'accountability must be meaningful' and that those who failed in their duties should face serious repercussions, which could include the loss of their positions.
The inquiry also heard a moving account from Child C1's mother, who described her daughter's 'catastrophic' injuries that covered 'so much of her body and organs'. She praised the incredible bravery shown by the children during the attack, noting that her daughter had shielded others and screamed at them to run.
In a concluding statement released by Nicola Ryan-Donnelly of Fletchers Solicitors, the family reiterated: 'The attack on 29 July 2024 was preventable... He should have never got to them; and every moment, right up until the second he did, someone could and should have stopped him. This should never have happened.' Axel Rudakubana was jailed for 52 years for the murders at Liverpool Crown Court in January.
