A lawyer representing the families of children murdered in Southport has stated that the transfer of killer Axel Rudakubana from prison to a psychiatric hospital may be an attempt to "manipulate the system." Rudakubana, 19, was moved from HMP Belmarsh to Broadmoor psychiatric hospital on Thursday.

Rudakubana was given a life sentence for the murder of three children—Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, Bebe King, 6, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7—and the attempted murder of eight other children and two adults. The transfer occurred as the second anniversary of the attack on July 29, 2024, approaches.

Chris Walker, the lawyer for the bereaved families, expressed skepticism regarding the transfer's basis in mental health issues. He stated that the families do not believe the transfer is warranted based on mental health grounds and are seeking more information from ministers. Walker told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme that he has seen no evidence suggesting a significant mental health disorder, adding, "We do have an evil person but being evil does not mean that you're suffering with psychosis of some sort."

The Prison Officers' Association indicated that Rudakubana's transfer was due to a deterioration in his mental health. However, Walker suggested that this move, occurring so close to the anniversary of the attack, appears to be another attempt by Rudakubana to "manipulate the system."

Prior to his sentencing last year, Rudakubana's defense lawyer informed the court that no psychiatric evidence indicated a mental disorder contributed to his actions. Stan Reiz KC had described his client as appearing to have been a normal child until age 13, before transitioning to someone capable of "shocking and senseless violence."

Handing down the sentence, Justice Julian Goose remarked that many might describe Rudakubana's actions as evil, and that the perpetrator possessed the "settled determination to carry out these offences." The judge added that Rudakubana would have killed all 26 children if he had been able to.

The Southport Public Inquiry has heard evidence regarding Rudakubana's past mental health conditions. In May 2025, an investigation was launched after Rudakubana allegedly attacked a prison officer. Details surrounding this incident have not been fully disclosed.

Walker stated that the families have been provided with minimal details and that he is urgently seeking a meeting with authorities to understand the situation before making further comments. He acknowledged that the news of the transfer would be devastating to the families at any time.