00:00A 17-year-old from Merseyside who had planned a copycat attack inspired by Southport killer
00:06Axel Rudakabana has been sentenced to a youth rehabilitation order lasting three years
00:12and a three-year criminal behaviour order. The boy, who cannot be named because of his age,
00:17pleaded guilty to four counts of possessing information likely to be useful to someone
00:22planning or committing terrorism, including an al-Qaeda training manual and instructions
00:27for preferring ricin. Liverpool Crown Court heard he had collected knives and sought to replicate
00:33the previous attack. Prosecutors said he was fascinated with violence and idolised Rudakabana.
00:39Judge Neil Fluitt-KC described sentencing as a difficult decision but said rehabilitation
00:45offered greater protection than custody. The court noted the defendant had mental health and
00:50autism-related challenges and had been referred twice to the Prevent programme. Defence counsel
00:56highlighted his struggles and the lack of clear ideological motivation. The CPS emphasised the
01:02potential risk of serious harm, while the order will provide intensive supervision and monitoring.
01:08With support from local authorities and intervention programmes, the aim is to prevent further
01:13radicalisation and protect the public. Intensive supervision will combine education, therapy and
01:19community support while authorities continue monitoring. Schools and social services are advised to
01:25be alert to similar behaviour in vulnerable adolescents.
01:29For more information, visit www.fema.gov.au.au.au.au.au.
