Alphonse Rudakubana told a public inquiry about the upheaval at home as his son, Axel, slid from a once-happy child into a young man marked by aggression and instability.

Axel, 17 at the time of the attack, carried out a knife attack at a Taylor Swift–themed dance class in Southport that killed three girls and touched off widespread unrest. In his testimony, Alphonse described repeated episodes of violence and menacing behaviour in the lead-up to the tragedy.

Alphonse recounted episodes in which Axel physically attacked family members and made clear threats to harm them, leaving the household tense and fearful for their safety.

Remembering Axel as a small child, his father said the change was heartbreaking. He described a boy who arrived at school bright and engaging, who returned to the family “broken” and unmistakably altered after years of difficulties and disappointment.

The court heard that Axel had been excluded from mainstream school in 2019 after he admitted carrying a knife. He was placed in a pupil referral unit for excluded students, where a teacher testified Axel had confessed he brought the weapon intending to use it — a detail his father confirmed, describing the family’s anguish and shame.

Alphonse also spoke about their contact with mental health services and the government’s Prevent programme. He said he and his wife reported some violent incidents but withheld others out of fear their son might be removed from the family, admitting he felt he had lost authority and control over Axel, including over his online activity.

The inquiry, led by a retired senior judge, has the power to summon witnesses and gather evidence. Its conclusions could influence policy, though any recommendations it makes would not carry the force of law.

The Southport stabbings remain a tragic reminder of the damage caused by unchecked youth violence and the gaps in early intervention and mental health support that families and communities can face.