Southport killer showed 'murderous intent' aged 13, inquiry told

Southport killer showed 'murderous intent' aged 13, inquiry told

A public inquiry at Liverpool Town Hall revealed that mental health services at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust failed to detect the “clear murderous intent” of the Southport killer prior to his deadly attack. The inquiry disclosed that an eight-month delay in an autism diagnosis, coupled with missing documents and poor communication, led to a failure in recognizing the risk posed by Axel Rudakubana. Lynsey Boggan, clinical lead for neurodevelopmental services at Alder Hey, acknowledged that crucial information was not shared among clinicians, resulting in a missed opportunity to identify the dangerous combination of factors present in Rudakubana.

During a Taylor Swift themed dance workshop on July 29, 2024, Rudakubana tragically killed three young children and severely injured several others. The inquiry learned that the teenager was referred to Alder Hey’s Community Paediatric Service for a potential autism spectrum disorder diagnosis in August 2019, yet he did not receive an appointment until July 2020, indicating a significant delay. Despite concerns raised by a teacher at The Acorns specialist school about Rudakubana’s behavior and obsession with violence, no action was taken to expedite his assessment or address the risks he posed to others.

The inquiry also highlighted missed opportunities in Rudakubana’s case, such as the failure to assess him for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) despite it being requested in his initial referral. Nicholas Bowen KC, representing the families of the victims, stressed the need for a more timely diagnosis and intervention, considering Rudakubana’s alarming behavior and inclinations towards violence. Ms. Boggan, under questioning, acknowledged the shortcomings in the assessment process and the potential for a more proactive approach in addressing Rudakubana’s complex needs. The inquiry continues to investigate the systemic failures that contributed to this tragic incident

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