Councillor urges expansion of Rudakubana inquiry to include the case of Tom Roberts’ killer, citing systemic failures.
Tom Roberts, a DJ, was killed in Bournemouth’s center back in March 2022. Lawangeen Abdulrahimzai committed this crime.
Before this, Abdulrahimzai hid from authorities after Serbia wanted him for murder. He had a history of violence and lied about his age, claiming to be 14 in Poole.
Salmon and Roberts’ family want Abdulrahimzai’s case included, alongside other similar incidents, into the probe. The inquiry should be broader now.
Salmon believes this ensures proper transparency and accountability involving all agencies handling offenders. Roberts’ murder showed big lapses.
Salmon stated failures occurred in multiple areas, including asylum, policing, and border control. Social services experienced process flaws, and Roberts’ family feels strongly about this issue.
Speaking for the family, Salmon wants justice, stating the Southport inquiry is not enough. Systemic failures existed in both Rudakubana’s and Abdulrahimzai’s cases, enabling their crimes.
Abdulrahimzai exploited those same failures. This led to Roberts’ tragic death, and ignoring this risks further problems due to gaps in immigration and justice systems.
Salmon supports the Roberts family’s call to include Roberts’ murder within the inquiry. He insists officials must learn from these events to prevent future tragedies.
Salmon also wants the Home Secretary to act and instate a full inquiry into specific failures involving borders, asylum vetting, and police responses, as well as a review of social services’ actions.
Roberts’ mother will soon read a statement supporting Salmon’s motion. The BCP Council meets on February 25, marking an important meeting date.