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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National

Loners, misfits and the shadow of Southport

Flowers and other tributes laid out in Southport for the three girls murdered by Axel Rudakubana
Flowers and other tributes laid out in Southport for the three girls murdered by Axel Rudakubana. Photograph: Paul Currie/PA

I was relieved to read some letters (28 January) about issues which haven’t been headlines in the media, but which might have affected Axel Rudakubana. I also note that he had received a diagnosis of autism.

My son is autistic; he fits Keir Starmer’s “loners, misfits, young men in their bedroom” labelling to a T. He too has been marginalised, bullied and rarely leaves the house. He too lives his life through the internet. He too is vulnerable and influenced by what he reads there. When he was a teenager he too felt he wanted to kill someone. He was fortunate and received treatment.

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