Taxi Driver Gary Poland Struggles with Trauma After Dropping Off Southport Suspect Axel Rudakubana Just Before Alleged Murders of Three Children at Community Center

When Southport taxi driver Gary Poland dropped off Axel Rudakubana on July 29, he could never have anticipated the horror that was about to unfold.

Poland, who had picked up the 18-year-old shortly before the tragic incident, is now struggling with the emotional aftermath of his encounter with Rudakubana, who is alleged to have violently attacked children at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

The attack at the Hart Space Community Centre in Southport resulted in the deaths of three young children—Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine.

Ten others were seriously injured in the attack. Rudakubana, originally from Wales and currently residing in Banks, Lancashire, has been charged with multiple serious offenses, including three counts of murder and ten counts of attempted murder.

Emotional Impact on the Driver

Gary Poland is said to be deeply traumatized by the events.

His wife, Lynn, revealed to The Sun that he is finding it difficult to talk about the incident and is consumed with thoughts about the victims. Poland’s neighbors describe him as a compassionate individual, having even offered rides during the pandemic.

Struggles and Community Support

The police have seized Poland’s taxi for forensic examination, leaving him unable to work.

In response to his situation, a GoFundMe page launched by his friend Liam Rice has already surpassed its £2,000 goal.

The fundraiser aims to help Poland cover the costs of a new car and other expenses while his vehicle remains impounded.

The page highlights Poland’s distress, noting that the process to retrieve his car could take months and incur additional fees. Despite his own trauma, Poland feels he could have done more, although it’s clear that no one could have predicted the tragedy.

Legal Proceedings and Public Reaction

Rudakubana is currently in custody and will appear in court again in October.

An inquest into the deaths of Bebe, Elsie, and Alice has also been opened. Meanwhile, the attacks have incited widespread anti-immigration protests and riots across the UK, fueled by misleading and false information about Rudakubana’s background.

Misleading Information and Community Response

False claims circulated online, including incorrect information about Rudakubana’s identity and religion, have exacerbated tensions. Despite the disproving of these claims, far-right groups continue to stir unrest.

However, recent protests have been met with significant counter-demonstrations from anti-racist campaigners, highlighting the community’s resilience and unity in the face of misinformation.

TDPel Media

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