Axel Rudakubana's Father Accepts Responsibility After Southport Attack
During a public inquiry, Alphonse Rudakubana expressed deep regret for not confronting his son’s escalating violent behaviour before the Southport attack. He admitted fearing Axel, who had repeatedly assaulted him over several years.
"I'm desperately sorry," he said, acknowledging his failure to act sooner.
Alphonse recounted that Axel once poured a bottle of oil over him and threatened, "Trust me, I will kill you." He described how his son’s aggression intensified rapidly, leading to Axel’s expulsion from Range High School in Formby, Merseyside, in October 2019 after confessing to carrying knives.
Just two months later, Axel returned to the school armed with a knife and a hockey stick, attacking a pupil. At age 13, he was arrested and placed under a referral order. Alphonse explained that Axel’s unpredictable rages caused him to endure abuse up to twice a day, eventually becoming desensitized to the violence.
"I'm ashamed of my response," Alphonse admitted, adding that fear kept him from setting boundaries, including limiting internet use and stopping online weapon purchases.
Author’s Summary
Alphonse Rudakubana tearfully accepted partial responsibility, revealing years of fear and helplessness as his son's violent behaviour spiraled before the Southport attack.