Axel Rudakubana was referred to an anti-extremism programme three times but his obsession with mass shootings was dismissed as an ‘interest in world news’
Counterterrorism officers believed Axel Rudakubana had an interest in world news and current affairs but no cause or political belief and was “not in danger of being radicalised”, a Home Office review has found.
A redacted version of the report into decisions made by the northwest of England’s Prevent team in the Southport killer’s case is due to be released. It exposes serious failings in the officers’ approach to the violent extremist.
On Thursday Rudakubana, 18, was sentenced to a minimum of 52 years for the murders of three girls in a knife attack described in court as “shocking” and “pure evil”. The Sunday Times understands that Rudakubana was given a three-year discount to his sentence for pleading guilty. The families and politicians have expressed anger that he fell short of a full-life tariff due to him being 17 at the time of the murders.
