Southport killer who murdered girls at Taylor Swift-themed dance class could avoid trial over alleged ‘prison napalm’ attack

The 20-year-old appeared at the Old Bailey via videolink from Broadmoor Hospital on Monday.

Three nurses from the secure hospital facility remained behind him during proceedings.

Rudakubana is also charged with assaulting a female emergency worker by pouring an “unknown liquid” over her in a separate incident alleged to have occurred two days before the suspected boiling water attack.

Other alleged offence include possession of an offensive weapon and another assault on an emergency worker.

Both incidents are said to have occurred in June and October 2025.

His Rabah Kherbane, confirmed a report is being drafted to determine whether the triple killer would be “fit to participate” in a trial.

He said: “We just don’t know what the issues [at trial] are at the moment.

“You will have noted the date of the allegation, in fact, is some time ago … and, of course, the defendant is sentenced to a minimum sentence of some 52 years.

“There will be some exchanges between my solicitors and the prosecutors about whether to prosecute.”

After the concerns were raised over Rudakubana’s “mental health”, Judge Mark Lucraft KC, the Recorder of London, said “it would not be appropriate to deal with arraignment”.

He added: “We will review matters on February 5. Trial has been fixed provisionally for October 4 next year. The defendant remains in custody.”

Naomi Parsons, prosecuting, had said earlier: “Since his incarceration, there have been a number of incidents that have arisen that have resulted in four charges.

“The most serious offence is attempted grievous bodily harm with intent to cause serious bodily harm.

“In the briefest of summaries, this relates to an assault on a prison officer, who had boiling water mixed with sugar thrown at him by the defendant through the cell door.

“The prosecution submit the intent is clear. The remaining are two charges relating to a second assault on an emergency worker.”

Rudakubana was moved to Broadmoor in July after authorities admitted he was unable to be “managed safely” behind bars.

The Ministry of Justice confirmed the move had been made following a clinical assessment under the Mental Health Act, adding Rudakubana was unlikely to ever be released.

The families of the three girls murdered in the Southport attack expressed their dismay after he was transferred to the secure hospital, with the families’ lawyer saying they fear he is “manipulating the system”.

Details also emerged that the killer received visits from a Muslim Imam in prison before he was moved to Broadmoor, which will allow the triple-child killer to visit a multi-faith sanctuary.

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