Rhianan Rudd: How mother’s boyfriend played ‘significant’ role in radicalising youngest UK girl to face terror charges
Rhianan Rudd, who took her own life at the age of 16, was the youngest girl in the UK to be charged with terrorist offences.
The inquest into her death, which concluded today, revealed shocking details about her radicalisation by two American white supremacists, one of whom was her mother’s boyfriend, who the coroner said “played a material role in her radicalisation”.
Rhianan gouged a swastika into her forehead, downloaded a bomb-making manual and told her mother she planned to blow up a synagogue.
Investigated by anti-terrorism police and MI5, charges against her were later dropped, but five month later on 19 May 2022, she was found dead in her shower in a children’s home in Nottinghamshire. Hours earlier she had posted on Instagram: “I’m delving into madness.”
The evidence heard in Chesterfield Coroner’s Court from police, social services and even an MI5 operative, raised questions over the state’s part in her death – and whether, despite her obvious radicalisation, this vulnerable, autistic girl should have been treated with more care by the authorities.
Judge Alexia Durran said: “I’m not satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, Rhianan intended to take her own life. Rhianan’s death… was the result of a self-inflicted act but it is not possible to ascertain her intention.
“Rhianan was known, to family and professionals, to be vulnerable, to have autistic traits and have a history of self-harm.”
The coroner added: “I find she was highly affected by her arrest and was concerned about being sent to prison.”
It was not known what Rhianan was told by her legal team when the charges were dropped but this may have had a “psychological impact” on her, the coroner said.
Rhianan Rudd. Pic: Family handout
In an interview released at the verdict, Rhianan’s mother Emily Carter said her daughter “should never have been charged”, that she was failed by those investigating her, including MI5 and counter terrorism police, as well as being let down by mental health services and those caring for her at the home.
This was the most complex of cases, set at a time when our security services are seeing a growing number of children being arrested and charged for terrorist offences, while parents often seem oblivious to the radicalising material they are consuming online in their bedrooms.
Ms Durham’s ruling reflected this complexity, finding that while there were some failings the actions of the police and MI5 were “reasonable and proportionate”.
The coroner concluded today that she was satisfied that missed opportunities in her case were “not systemic”.
Judge Alexia Durran said: “In the circumstances I do not consider I should make a prevention of future deaths report.”
At the same she was unequivocal about the “significant” role played by two extremists in radicalising her.
It was her mother’s former boyfriend, an American she’d befriended though a US pen-pal prison scheme, who first introduced Rhianan to far-right ideology.
Dax Mallaburn had been part of a white supremacist prison gang in the US and subsequently came to the UK to live with Rhianan’s mother in September 2017, a year after she’d been to visit him in the US.
In the autumn of 2019, Rhianan alleged that he had touched her inappropriately but later withdrew the allegation and, after a social services assessment, Mr Mallaburn returned to the family home.
Ms Carter says: “In hindsight, he was a bad person but I never saw him talking Nazi stuff with her.”
Before Rhianan was arrested, Mr Mallaburn’s relationship with her mother had broken down and he returned to the US and then Mexico. However, during COVID, Rhianan appeared to contact another far-right extremist, Christopher Cook, and began an online relationship with him.
Cook, who was roughly 18 and living in Ohio, shared far-right texts with Rhianan along with a bomb-making manual, and during this time she became fixated with Adolf Hitler.
Emily Carter, the mother of Rhianan Rudd
Cook’s lawyer, Peter Scranton, says he too was radicalised online, and he came up with a plan to blow up power stations in the US, for which he was eventually arrested in August 2020, and in February 2022 he pleaded guilty to terrorism offences.
Cook, who was a misfit at school, suffering from “severe depression” according to his lawyer and was “essentially lashing out” as he tried to form a group to carry out his plan.
Mr Scranton told Sky News, “It was white nationalism, and they had this idea, and I don’t know why anyone would feel this way or how they thought it would work, that if they tore down the government and started over they could create a new United States of America that could look like the image that they would want – a white nationalist image.”
Read more from Sky News:
Plastic surgeon tried to murder former boss
Downtown LA a scene of ‘pandemonium’
Day Of The Jackal author dead
Mr Scranton says Cook told him he didn’t radicalise Rhianan, and it was the former boyfriend, Dax Mallaburn, who’d initially got her into neo-Nazi ideology. However, the coroner found Cook was “a significant radicaliser of Rhianan” at a time when she was “isolated and unsupervised”.
Ms Carter says Rhianan was interested in German history because she was doing it at school and Cook was able to “pull her in”, to racial hatred and antisemitism. She says she didn’t know what was happening, despite having parental controls on Rhianan’s devices. She said: “I could hear her talking to people on there and I’d say who are you talking to and she’d say – just someone from school – and in fact I found out it wasn’t at all.
“When this person she was talking to disappeared, that’s when she sat down on my lap like a baby and cried. She told me this guy Chris had left her, and she was totally in love with him – then she came down and told me she had downloaded a bomb manual and I was like ‘Oh my god, what have you been doing’.”
Ms Carter decided to contact Prevent – a national program in the UK designed to stop individuals from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism
She says: “I thought putting her in a deradicalisation programme would be a fairly easy undo ‘brain pick’, But it wasn’t until the police turned up that I thought ‘hang on a minute this is a lot deeper than I actually thought it was at first’.”
Ms Carter and her lawyers have argued that the police were heavy-handed, that there should have been a psychological assessment before she was even questioned over terrorism offences.
“There were 19 police officers to arrest a 5ft 1, 14-year-old girl who weighs seven stone. It was over the top,” says Ms Carter.
Once Rhianan was charged, the deradicalisation work under Prevent was put on hold. Ms Carter thinks this was a mistake.
She says: “Leaving her with her own thoughts throughout the entire time of going through the police interviews and everything else – the deradicalisation would have changed the way she was seeing things – I believe she would have been able to handle it all so much better.”
The coroner described the police arrest and interview as “necessary and conducted appropriately” and that, while ceasing the Prevent intervention was an “unfortunate consequence” of the police investigation, it was “an appropriate step”.
During police interviews, Rhianan described being coerced and groomed, including sexually, and having sent explicit images of herself to Cook.
Lawyers representing the family say police and MI5 knew she was the victim of child sexual exploitation but failed to refer her to the relevant body – the National Referral Mechanism.
It was only after a social worker made the referral, that she was identified as a child victim and then the charges were dropped, by which time she had been subject to investigation and prosecution for 15 months.
The coroner agreed that there was a “systems failure” due to a lack of training both within the police and the Derbyshire council who both had had “significant information” that she was a potential victim of modern slavery.
However, she also said it “was impossible to know” whether this would have led to the CPS dropping their charges sooner, “nor that if had more than minimal impact on Rhianan’s death”.
Ms Carter says if she’d been treated differently “she’d be troubled, but I do think she’d still be alive”.
Rhianan’s family say the security services knew her vulnerabilities and that she had a tendency to self-harm, but they failed to take this into account.
Ms Carter said: “I admit my mistakes and I want the organisations to admit their mistakes. There were failings and they need to admit them.”
This ruling however found that the state did not play a role in Rhianan’s death under article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
For the most part, her vulnerabilities were known and taken into consideration. It does however show how extremists will exploit children with mental health problems, young people who are struggling with life who may be a danger to society, but also a risk to themselves.
Counter Terrorism Policing said it offered “sincere condolences to Rhianan’s family and loved ones for their terrible loss”.
Assistant Chief Constable Di Coulson, speaking on behalf of Counter Terrorism Policing in the East Midlands (CTPEM) and Derbyshire Constabulary, said: “This was a complex case involving a very vulnerable young person, who had been subjected to radicalisation.
“Rhianan’s tragic death was clearly devastating for her family. It was felt profoundly by the officers directly involved, but also across Counter Terrorism Policing as a whole.
“Rhianan’s case was a stark moment for our management of the growing numbers of children and young people in our casework – so often presenting vulnerability as well as risk and threat to the public.
“Since Rhianan’s death, we continue to work alongside our partners to evolve the way we approach cases involving children and, where feasible, attempt to rehabilitate and deradicalise, rather than investigate and convict.
“We welcome the findings of the Chief Coroner today, and while we have already made substantial improvements to the way we manage these cases, we will carefully review the findings and make any further changes in order to improve our protection of the public against terrorism.”
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK
Sir Keir Starmer has said stability in the Middle East is “a priority” following US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, as the world has reacted to the attack.
The prime minister also called on Iran to “return to the negotiating table” to “reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis”.
Follow latest: Iran considering ‘all options’ after US strikes
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
US strikes on Iran explained
In a statement, Sir Keir said: “Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security.
“Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat.
“The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority.
“We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.”
The UK was not involved in the strikes but was informed about them in advance by the US, Business Minister Jonathan Reynolds told Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips.
Sir Keir and Foreign Secretary David Lammy had been pushing for a diplomatic solution. On Thursday, the prime minister warned of a “real risk of escalation” in the conflict.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Trump: Iran strikes ‘spectacular success’
The US struck three sites in Iran early on Sunday morning, with Donald Trump boasting the country’s key nuclear sites were “completely and fully obliterated” in an address to the nation from the White House and warned there could be further strikes if Iran retaliates.
Read more:
What we know so far about US strikes
What happens next is largely in Iran’s control
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
‘Trump’s bold decision will change history’
Netanyahu praises Trump
Israel‘s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Mr Trump for the strikes, saying: “Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history…
“History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world’s most dangerous regime the world’s most dangerous weapons.”
UN secretary-general ‘gravely alarmed’ by US attack
But UN secretary general Antonio Guterres said he was “gravely alarmed by the use of force” by the US against Iran.
“This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security. There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world.”
Listen to The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim every Wednesday
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged all sides to step back and return to the negotiating table. “Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon,” she said in a post on X.
“I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation,” she said, adding that EU foreign ministers will discuss the situation tomorrow.
Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel. Pic: Reuters
How the world reacted to the strikes
Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on X: “We strongly condemn the US bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities, which constitutes a dangerous escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.
“The aggression seriously violates the UN Charter and international law and plunges humanity into a crisis with irreversible consequences.”
Venezuela’s foreign minister Yvan Gil said his country’s government “condemns US military aggression” and “demands an immediate cessation of hostilities”.
In a statement, an Australian government spokesperson said Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programme “has been a threat to international peace and security”.
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Isiba. Pic: Reuters
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said it is “crucial that there be a quick de-escalation of the conflict”.
Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani said after the attack that his country’s government hopes “a de-escalation can begin and Iran can sit down at the negotiating table”.
The US attack came after more than a week of strikes by Israel, which have significantly degraded Iran’s air defences and offensive missile capabilities, and damaged its nuclear enrichment facilities.
Israel’s strikes on Iran have killed at least 865 people and wounded 3,396 others, according to the Washington-based group Human Rights Activists. The group said of those killed, 365 were civilians and 215 were security force personnel.
Since the local elections Reform UK has had no shortage of good polls.
But a new one suggests Nigel Farage‘s party has a chance not only of winning the next election, but of claiming a decent Commons majority, too.
In February, Reform topped a Sky News/YouGov poll for the first time, with Nigel Farage’s party edging in front on 25%, Labour pushed into second on 24%, with the Tories on 21%.
But a fresh one from Ipsos puts Reform on 34%, nine points ahead of Labour on 25%, with the Conservatives a distant third on 15%.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Zia Yusuf: I sent a tweet I regretted
While the other parties are flatlining, Reform appears to be pushing boundaries.
Were these figures to be replicated across the country at a general election, with every constituency behaving the same way, then Reform could win as many as 340 seats, giving it a majority of 30, Sky News analysis suggests.
Labour could be reduced to 176 seats, down 236 on last year’s election, while the Tories would hit a record low of 12 seats.
But polling should always be taken with a pinch of salt and with the firm acknowledgement that there is not an election coming any time soon.
Conservative backbenchers might also tell you publicly that opinion polls are notoriously difficult to translate into seat numbers because voting percentages in individual constituencies can vary hugely from the overall average.
But the truth is that the symbolism of Reform UK topping another poll is likely to be noticed by MPs from all parties, especially backbench Conservatives who have actively been hoping their leader, Kemi Badenoch, can help them climb the polls and bring the party back into public favour.
Politics is a brutal game and when it comes to toppling underwhelming party leaders, the Tories are more ruthless than most. One wonders how many of these polls Mrs Badenoch’s party will allow her to endure.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Reeves takes aim at Reform UK
Read more:
How did your MP vote on the assisted dying bill?
Starmer tries to contain rebellion over welfare reforms
This poll is also a warning to Labour.
As the party approaches a year since its major victory, it will not have much to celebrate if these numbers are anything to go by.
According to this survey, only 19% are satisfied with the job Sir Keir Starmer is doing as prime minister, with 73% dissatisfied.
And the figure of 25% of voters intending to vote Labour is a level not seen since October 2019.
While abstract to much of the public, polling can often shape not only the chatter inside Westminster but how and when plots by MPs begin.
For Reform UK, this is a much-needed morale boost after a surprise resignation by their former Chairman Zia Yusuf, and then an almost immediate U-turn back into the party.
And Kemi Badenoch – who said during her leadership campaign that the Conservatives needed to go back to first principles and that this would take time – will be wondering, seven-and-a-half months after winning the leadership, how much time she really has left.
Ipsos interviewed a representative probability sample of 1,180 British adults aged 18+, via the Ipsos UK KnowledgePanel. Data was collected between 30 May-4 June 2025.
The impending ban on protest group Palestine Action has divided opinion – described as both “outrageous” and “long overdue”.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is expected to take the step after the group broke into RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on e-scooters and sprayed two Voyager planes with red paint.
The prime minister described the attack as “outrageous” and a rapid review of security at MoD bases is under way.
It was the latest protest in a five-year campaign from Palestine Action (PA) that has targeted arms manufacturers, financial institutions, political figures and government buildings.
Red spray paint has become its signature.
Damage to planes at Brize Norton
On its website, PA says it is a “direct action movement” committed to ending “global participation” in what it calls Israel’s “genocidal and apartheid regime”.
It adds that it uses “disruptive tactics” to target “corporate enablers of the Israeli military-industrial complex”.
Banning the group would make membership of it illegal. It would be treated as a terrorist organisation.
Saeed Taji Farouky, a spokesman for PA, told Sky News that potential proscription was “unfair”, adding that it was “ludicrous” that a “civil society direct action group” could end up on the same list as ISIS.
He added: “It’s not logical, it’s not even consistent with the British legal definition of terrorism, it’s a reaction that’s been taken overnight, with almost no discussion or debate.
“The whole thing is incredibly worrying, mostly for what it means about British law in general, about undermining the very basis of British democracy and the rule of law.”
There are “no circumstances” under which the two people who breached Brize Norton would be handed over to the police, he said.
Singer-songwriter Paloma Faith, who spoke at a pro-Palestine rally in Whitehall in central London on Saturday, told Sky News she was “devastated” by the move.
Paloma Faith spoke at the pro-Palestine rally
“I have met some of the people who have friends in that group. They are young students and they are basically trying to do something because they feel that our government is failing them.”
She added that “everyone” wants to end what she described as a “massacre” in Gaza.
Israel says its military campaign in Gaza is a way of defending itself against Hamas, which killed more than a thousand people in its 7 October attacks and took about 240 people hostage. Hamas-run health authorities claim Israeli attacks have since killed almost 56,000 people in Gaza.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
What’s happening to Palestine Action?
Faith continued: “When you scribble on something, or paint on it, it’s a non-violent protest and it shouldn’t be made at the same level as a violent protest – it is unjust.”
Ben Jamal, director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, backed Palestine Action’s use of non-violent protest.
A bank damaged by Palestine Action
He told Sky News: “There has been a place for that in all political movements in history.
“In the struggle for the rights of black people in the US, in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, in the struggle for women to have the vote, people took forms of non-violent direct action.
“Imagine if we had the current [situation] back in those days – we would have been proscribing the suffragettes, treating them as terrorists.”
There was a pro-Israeli counter-protest in London
Read more:
Analysis: If Israel breaks Iran it will own the chaos
Putin says ‘Ukraine is ours’ and threatens nuclear strike
Others have welcomed the move. Lord Walney, who served as the government’s independent adviser on political violence, told Sky News the decision was “long overdue”.
“Palestine Action have acted as the enemy within which is why it’s right, now, to crack down on them,” he said.
“They have terrorised working people for a number of years and there’s a number of serious violent charges that are going through the court system at the moment.”
The UK government is expected to announce its decision early next week.
-
Sports3 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports1 year agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports2 years agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Sports2 years agoButton battles heat exhaustion in NASCAR debut
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike