Triple child murderer has prison regime upgraded from ‘basic’ to ‘standard’ with nearly quadrupled spending money at HMP Belmarsh
Southport murderer Axel Rudakubana has been given back privileges in prison including a TV and DVD player in what insiders describe as officials “bribing him to behave”, despite throwing boiling water at a guard just two months ago.
The 19-year-old triple killer has had his regime raised from “basic” to “standard” at HMP Belmarsh in southeast London, meaning he now gets more time out of his cell and receives nearly four times more money to spend in the prison canteen. The controversial decision has also granted him increased access to workshops, the library and the gym.
It is outrageous that they have raised him to standard,” a prison source told The Sun. “They are basically bribing him to behave – by saying we’ll give you a telly and you can keep it if you don’t attack anyone.”
The move comes despite Rudakubana allegedly using a kettle in his cell to heat water before hurling it at a prison officer through the hatch in his door in May. The officer was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure following the attack, which remains under police investigation.
‘Cock-a-hoop’ about upgraded privileges
Under the upgraded regime, Rudakubana will receive a Freeview TV with approximately 25 channels and a DVD player, though his access to films will be limited. His weekly spending allowance has jumped from £5.50 on the basic regime to approximately £20 on standard.
“It makes his life a lot more comfortable and also means he can spend more on phone credit,” the source revealed. “Rudakubana is cock-a-hoop about the change, but I doubt the officer who had liquid chucked in his face will be.”
The teenage killer, who was sentenced to 52 years in prison for murdering Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in July last year, had been placed on a four-man unlock following the May incident. This security measure means he cannot be let out of his cell without four prison guards present.
Political outrage over ‘rewards for bad behaviour’
Richard Tice, Reform UK deputy leader, condemned the decision, saying: “I’m appalled. It feels like he is being rewarded for bad behaviour. It’s the opposite of what should be happening.”
The controversy surrounding Rudakubana’s treatment comes at a time of escalating violence in Britain’s high-security prisons. Just weeks ago, Hashem Abedi, the Manchester Arena bomb plotter, was charged with three counts of attempted murder after four prison officers were injured at HMP Frankland on 12 April.
In another incident in May, a prison officer had their throat slashed with an improvised weapon at HMP Woodhill, one of three violent incidents at high-security prisons in just 24 hours.
£53,000 annual cost to taxpayers
Rudakubana’s incarceration as a Category A prisoner is believed to cost taxpayers £53,000 per year. Despite the boiling water attack, prison authorities have chosen to upgrade his privileges under the Incentives and Earned Privileges (IEP) scheme, which is designed to encourage good behaviour among inmates.
The IEP system operates on three main levels: Basic, Standard, and Enhanced. Prisoners on Basic receive minimal privileges and limited time out of their cells, while those on Standard gain access to televisions, increased visits, and higher spending allowances. Enhanced prisoners receive the most privileges, including the possibility of wearing their own clothes.
Previous restrictions and security measures
Following his attack on the prison officer, Rudakubana had been restricted to purchasing only items that couldn’t be weaponised. He was banned from buying butter or baby oil, which could potentially be heated for use in attacks. However, under his new Standard regime, he can purchase treats including Maltesers, Pringles, and other snacks from the prison canteen.
Despite being on Standard regime, Rudakubana remains under heavy security. He is still subject to the four-man unlock protocol and is largely confined to his cell. Prison officers who are colleagues of the attacked guard must collect his canteen orders and deliver them to his cell.
Broader prison crisis concerns
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick described the alleged attack by Rudakubana as the “third astonishing security failure at a top security prison” and warned that “warning after warning has been ignored.
“I personally raised security at HMP Belmarsh just last week,” Jenrick posted on X (formerly Twitter). “This is a full blown crisis. No more lengthy ‘reviews’ – the Justice Secretary needs to act NOW.”
The number of assaults on staff in adult prisons in England and Wales has reached its highest level in a decade, according to Ministry of Justice data. The escalating violence has prompted calls for enhanced security measures, including trials of tasers in prisons and a review of protective body armour for prison officers.
High-profile inmates and security challenges
Rudakubana is held at Belmarsh alongside other notorious inmates including Sir David Amess’s murderer Ali Harbi Ali and Manchester Arena bomb plotter Hashem Abedi. The prison, designed to house the most dangerous offenders, has faced criticism for its handling of high-risk prisoners.
There have been reports that Rudakubana could potentially be transferred to a secure psychiatric facility such as Broadmoor, Ashworth or Rampton. Initial mental health assessments are being conducted to determine whether he qualifies for treatment at one of England’s three high-security psychiatric facilities. Such a move would cost taxpayers an estimated £325,000 annually, compared to the £57,000 required to keep him in prison.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson confirmed that “initial assessments” had been undertaken but said no hospital referral had been “initiated”.
Prison Service response
A Prison Service spokesperson said: “Violence in prison will not be tolerated and we will always push for the strongest possible punishment for attacks on our hardworking staff.”
The controversial decision to upgrade Rudakubana’s privileges despite his violent behaviour raises serious questions about prison management and the balance between rehabilitation efforts and public safety. As violence in high-security prisons continues to escalate, critics argue that rewarding violent behaviour with improved conditions sends entirely the wrong message to both inmates and the dedicated officers who risk their safety daily.
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