A 17-year-old spared prison for planning a copycat attack inspired by the 2024 Southport stabbings, sparking outrage among victims' families.

Families of three girls killed in the 2024 Southport stabbings expressed shock after a 17-year-old boy avoided prison for planning a copycat attack inspired by killer Axel Rudakubana. The teen admitted to collecting knives, wearing a green hoodie like Rudakubana’s, and idolizing him as a “hero,” while also possessing violent materials and expressing interest in mass murder. Despite prior warnings and referrals to the Prevent program, he received a three-year youth rehabilitation order instead of custody. The families, who testified during a public inquiry revealing multiple failures by agencies, said the outcome reflects ongoing systemic breakdowns and repeated missed opportunities to intervene, urging accountability and reform.