Axel Rudakubana on new charges over alleged prison attacks

Court artist drawing by Elizabeth Cook of Axel Rudakubana appearing via videolink from Broadmoor Hospital at Westminster Magistrates' Court,  London, charged with prison officer assaults <i>(Image: Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire)</i>
Court artist drawing by Elizabeth Cook of Axel Rudakubana appearing via videolink from Broadmoor Hospital at Westminster Magistrates' Court, London, charged with prison officer assaults (Image: Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire)
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A triple child killer who was born in Cardiff is facing new charges for allegedly attacking prison staff while in custody.

Axel Rudakubana, 20, is accused of throwing boiling water mixed with sugar at a prison officer through his cell door hatch at HMP Belmarsh on May 8 last year.

He is serving a life sentence for the murders of three children.

Prosecutor Catherine Pattison told Westminster Magistrates’ Court that Rudakubana had been involved in a series of violent incidents against prison staff.

Ms Pattison said: "Since his incarceration there have been a number of incidents that have arisen that have resulted in four charges for which he appears before you today."

Two days before the alleged boiling water attack, Rudakubana is said to have threatened to 'soak' a female officer if she did not give him a newspaper.

He then reportedly threw an 'unknown liquid' at her, causing no damage.

On October 28, 2025, he allegedly punched a male officer who questioned him about whether he had taken his medication.

In June last year, prison staff reportedly found sharpened stone shards under his cell shelving, which he claimed were for self-defence.

Rudakubana told officers that his food was being poisoned following the boiling water incident, the court heard.

He is charged with attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, two counts of assaulting an emergency worker, and possession of an offensive weapon in prison.

Rudakubana appeared via video link from Broadmoor psychiatric hospital but was not asked to enter pleas.

He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at the Old Bailey on October 19.

Rudakubana was convicted of murdering three children - Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven.

The attack took place during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29, 2024.

He was also found guilty of the attempted murder of eight other children and two adults.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Justice confirmed Rudakubana had been transferred from prison to Broadmoor.

The high-security psychiatric hospital houses offenders who cannot be safely managed in a prison environment due to mental disorders.

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