Southport Killer’s Dad Warned He May Attack Teachers on Home Visits

Southport Killer’s Father Warned School About Potential Violence

The father of the Southport killer, Alphonse Rudakubana, warned a teacher that his son may become violent during home visits, according to evidence presented at the Southport Inquiry. This alarming revelation came as the inquiry delved into the events leading up to the tragic murders committed by Axel Rudakubana in July 2024.

Poor Attendance Record and School Exclusion

Axel Rudakubana, referred to as AR during the inquiry, enrolled at Presfield High School in March 2022 but quickly developed a poor attendance record. By June 2024, just a month before he committed the murders, Rudakubana was permanently excluded from Range High School in Formby after admitting to carrying knives and assaulting another pupil with a hockey stick.

Home Visits and Police Accompaniment

In May 2022, Rudakubana’s form tutor, James Berry, attempted to carry out a home visit but was warned by his father that the teenager may become violent if forced to see him. As a result, staff were accompanied by Merseyside Police officers during subsequent visits.

Refusal to See School Staff

Despite efforts to engage with Rudakubana, school staff faced numerous refusals from his mother, Laetitia Muzayire. Ms. McLoughlin, the headteacher of Presfield High, described instances where she was unable to see Rudakubana due to his mother’s pushback or his own refusal. “AR’s mother would say ‘not today’ and push us away from that,” she said. “Sometimes there was no answer at the door.” On one occasion, Ms. McLoughlin managed to enter the lounge but found Rudakubana refusing to come down for a visit.

Exclusion Details and EHCP

The inquiry also heard that full details of Rudakubana’s violent history, including his admission to intending to stab someone years before the murders, were not included in his education, health, and care plan (EHCP). Ms. McLoughlin highlighted this as a significant oversight, stating, “If we had that information, the school would not have accepted him.” This omission raises serious questions about the adequacy of the EHCP process in identifying potential risks.

The inquiry continues to uncover critical details surrounding the events leading up to one of the most tragic school shootings in recent history. As more evidence comes to light, experts and educators are calling for a reevaluation of current practices to better identify and address potential threats before they escalate into violent incidents.