Axel Rudakubana ‘had visits from Muslim Imam at Belmarsh’ before moving to ‘cushy’ secure hospital

Axel Rudakubana received visits from a Muslim Imam at Belmarsh prison before he was moved to a "cushy" secure hospital, it is understood.

The Southport killer was taken to psychiatric facility Broadmoor in Berkshire after authorities admitted he was unable to be "managed safely" behind bars in the category A prison.

The Ministry of Justice confirmed the move was made following a clinical assessment under the Mental Health Act, adding Rudakubana was unlikely to ever be released.

Now, the life that awaits him at Broadmoor has been unveiled - and it comes complete with reading, watching films, and around-the-clock care in the newly-renovated complex.

The 19-year-old murderer, who has been sentenced to 52 years in prison, will now spend his days in a university-style room, complete with wardrobes and desks, and will be allowed to visit a decked-out gym and on-site cafe.

Following the £250million refurbishment, patients also enjoy access to the hospital's hairdresser and dentist, The Sun revealed, as well as the site's multi-faith "sanctuary".

Rudakubana, who killed Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, Bebe King, six, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, in 2024, will have special security measures put in place to protect him from other violent "patients".

Cannibal Peter Bryan, nicknamed "Peckish Pete", will be among his cohort, and has killed one patient at Broadmoor during his stay at the facility.

Stockwell stranger Kenneth Erskine and murderer Robert Napper are also residents of the high-security hospital.

The child killer will receive intensive therapy and rehabilitation programmes during his time at the institution.

Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper, stayed in Broadmoor from 1984 until 2016 - and one of his visitors revealed the way the "patients" are treated.

"Broadmoor is like a normal hospital, but nicer – with just a bit of security at the front like when you are going into court," the insider told The Sun.

"It is comfortable and relaxed and it’s unbelievable Rudakubana has been moved there."

There are signs saying "Please remember people in here are not prisoners they are patients", the source added.

“He will be treated as a patient, with the only prison-like thing being that his door is locked at night," they said.

The lawyer representing the families of the three girls murdered by Rudakubana accused him of trying to "manipulate the system".

Chris Walker, of Bond Turner, who is representing the three bereaved Southport families, said in a statement: "The three families we represent have been made aware of this development in the last 48 hours.

"It is safe to say that whilst this news would devastate them at any time, the fact that this has occurred as we approach the second anniversary in our view is another move by AR who would appear to be attempting, once again, to manipulate the system.

"We have been given the barest of details and whilst we are supporting the families through this we are urgently seeking a meeting with the appropriate authorities to understand the situation before commenting further."

The chairman of the Prison Officers’ Association (POA) also criticised the decision, accusing Rudakubana of "playing the system" to get a move to Broadmoor,.

Mark Fairhurst said: "This vile offender has played the system and will now enjoy the freedoms that are afforded mentally unwell patients in secure psychiatric hospitals, including benefits that law abiding tax payers will fund.

"My members will be placed at risk without the protections afforded to staff in prisons because he is now classed as a patient. He should spend his entire sentence in a prison in solitary confinement.