**Cardiff-Born Convicted Killer Axel Rudakubana Faces Stark Regime at High-Security Prison**
Axel Rudakubana, the Cardiff-born teenager who has become infamous for a shocking and deadly attack in Southport last year, is now serving one of the longest prison terms handed to anyone of his age in recent memory. Sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 52 years, Rudakubana, now 18, is currently held at HMP Belmarsh—a high-security Category A prison in south-east London, reserved for the country’s most serious offenders.
According to prison sources, Rudakubana is subjected to the “basic regime”, meaning he receives only the bare minimum rights and privileges mandated by law. While he retains access to essentials such as the canteen—where he can purchase goods with funds sent by his family or earned through prison jobs—his movements are tightly restricted. Reports indicate the teenager spends most of his days confined to his cell, with only short periods allowed outside, and much of what he is entitled to is delivered directly to his cell door.
The severity of Rudakubana’s current conditions stem from both the gravity of his crimes and his behaviour since incarceration. Last July, Rudakubana, then aged 17, committed a horrific attack when he entered a Taylor Swift-themed workshop in Southport, armed with a knife. In a matter of minutes, he fatally stabbed three young girls, injured eight other children, and wounded two adults before being overpowered at the scene. The brutality of the crime shocked communities across the UK and left many questioning how such acts could be prevented.
During the subsequent police investigation, authorities discovered further disturbing evidence at his family home in Banks, Lancashire. Officers found toxic ricin along with a collection of weapons and a second knife—identical to the one used in the Southport attack—hidden under his bedding. These revelations added to public alarm regarding his background and possible motivations.
Concerns raised prior to the attack have since come to light. The teenager had been reported to the Prevent counter-extremism programme on three separate occasions, and, just a week earlier, his father physically stopped him from travelling to a nearby school. Despite these interventions, officials were unable to prevent the devastating events in Southport from unfolding.
Following his conviction in January, Rudakubana was sent to HMP Belmarsh, where prison authorities have maintained strict supervision. However, the difficulties in managing such a high-risk inmate have persisted. Sources at the prison say Rudakubana recently attacked a prison officer, allegedly throwing boiling water through a hatch in his cell door. The incident resulted in the officer’s hospitalisation, though injuries were fortunately described as minor and the staff member was discharged the same day.
In the wake of this assault, Rudakubana’s access to privileges was further restricted, and he has since been kept on the most basic regime permitted by regulations. Mark Fairhurst, national chair of the Prison Officers Association, explained, “It is standard for all prisoners to be able to purchase items using private funds or wages earned in prison. Any move to curtail this could prompt a legal challenge under current human rights legislation.” This highlights the delicate balance between maintaining strict discipline for dangerous inmates and respecting legal standards regarding their treatment.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed an investigation into the reported prison assault. “The Met is investigating a serious incident at HMP Belmarsh involving a prison officer. The officer was treated in hospital and discharged later that same day. Enquiries are ongoing,” they said.
Rudakubana’s future holds no prospect of release for decades, and his life behind bars is now defined by the minimum conditions set out by law. His case remains a stark example of the challenges faced by both the criminal justice and prison systems when dealing with offenders responsible for the most serious crimes. As the Met’s investigation continues, further questions are likely to arise regarding how high-security inmates are managed and what lessons can be learned from such tragic events.