Southport attack victims and survivors at centre of ‘unacceptable’ data breach by court staff

Government staff looked up details on computers of victims, survivors, and witnesses of the Southport attack when they had no right to, it has emerged.

Prison and courts chiefs are investigating how the data breach was allowed to happen, and prime minister Andy Burnham has asked for the Lord Chancellor to investigate.

The information accessed included sensitive and personal data, and the breach is deemed “likely to result in a high risk” to the rights and freedoms of those involved.

Axel Rudakubana killed three girls – Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Bebe King, six, at a Taylor Swift themed dance class in Southport, Merseyside, in July 2024.

Eight other children and two adults were also injured in the knife attack.

Rudakubana, 19, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 52 years.

The first phase of the inquiry into the case found the stabbings “could and should” have been prevented if public bodies had taken steps to stop Rudakubana and if his parents had “done what they morally ought to have done”.

Some victims, survivors and witnesses have now been told that government employees in His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service, who had nothing to do with their case, accessed their private details.

The issue was identified through a review of Ministry of Justice digital systems, and the staff involved faced a disciplinary process.

Mr Burnham has ordered Lord Chancellor Alex Norris to carry out a further investigation, which could prompt fresh disciplinary action.

The Information Commissioner's Office has been informed.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “We are appalled that this happened and recognise the distress it will have caused victims, survivors, and their families.

“We apologise to those affected - unauthorised access to court files is completely unacceptable.

“This is now being investigated urgently, and the prime minister has asked the Lord Chancellor to oversee this. All wrongdoing will be met with extremely firm action.”