Father of Southport killer is 'desperately sorry' for not dealing with son's behaviour

The father of Axel Rudakubana has told the inquiry into the 2024 Southport attack that his failure to deal with his son's violent behaviour had "catastrophic consequences, for which I am desperately sorry".

- Josh Halliday North of England editor

Tributes left in Southport after the fatal knife attack on 29 July last year

Alphonse Rudakubana said he was “very scared” of his son and avoided confrontation with him, which meant he did not oversee his internet activity. His son regularly searched online for violent material and went on to order a stockpile of weapons.

“The combination of fear and the desire to avoid confrontation by not inquiring into his activities and accepting his punishments undoubtedly prevented me from doing things that would be expected of a parent, such as to monitor his internet activity,” he said in a written statement. “This had catastrophic consequences for which I am desperately sorry.”

Giving evidence to the inquiry at Liverpool town hall via video link yesterday, Alphonse Rudakubana said he accepted his “share of the responsibility” for his son's actions, which saw three young girls stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

Alphonse Rudakubana also repeatedly criticised other agencies at the hearing, accusing teachers of unfairly singling out his son for punishment and of making “malicious” referrals to the Prevent counter-terrorism scheme, describing one school as “like a prison”.