Full Breakdown
Regrets of a Taxi Driver: The Southport Attack Inquiry
9/26/2025, 8:14:37 AM
Overview of the Incident
On July 29, 2024, a tragic attack occurred at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, resulting in the deaths of three young girls: Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven. The perpetrator, Axel Rudakubana, then 17, also injured ten others during the incident. Gary Poland, a taxi driver for One Call Taxis, had driven Rudakubana to the scene shortly before the attack.
Gary Poland's Actions and Regrets
During a public inquiry, Gary Poland, 56, recounted his experience on the day of the attack. After dropping off Rudakubana, he heard what he believed were gunshots and saw children fleeing the building. In a state of panic, he drove away without calling the police, waiting approximately 50 minutes before making the emergency call. Poland expressed deep regret for his actions, stating, “I consider that I should have called police earlier. In hindsight, I wish I had done and it’s something that I do think about every day.”
Poland described the harrowing screams of the children as they ran for their lives, saying, “Their screams were harrowing, and I can still hear them when I think back to that day.” He admitted that fear and shock influenced his decision to leave the scene, believing he was in danger from a potential gunman.
Inquiry Findings
The inquiry, held at Liverpool Town Hall, has raised questions about Poland's moral responsibility in the situation. Counsel Nicholas Moss KC pointed out that Poland had the opportunity to call the police immediately after leaving the scene but chose to take another fare instead. Poland acknowledged this, stating, “I did not know anybody was injured. I did not see anybody injured.”
The inquiry also revealed that Poland had called his friend Julian Medlock shortly after leaving Hart Street, expressing his belief that Rudakubana had shot people. However, he did not mention the welfare of the children during that conversation.
Criticism and Opposition
Families of the victims have voiced concerns regarding Poland's actions, questioning whether he should have taken protective measures. The inquiry aims to evaluate the adequacy of his response and whether he could have acted differently to potentially save lives.
Official Statements
Poland's testimony highlighted his emotional turmoil following the incident. He stated, “I was in a state of complete mortal terror and shock,” explaining that he did not think clearly in that moment. He expressed his sympathy for the victims' families, acknowledging the profound impact of the tragedy on their lives.
What's Next
The inquiry is set to continue until November, aiming to provide a comprehensive account of the events surrounding the attack and the interactions between Rudakubana and various state agencies. The findings may lead to recommendations for changes in public safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I consider that I should have called police earlier. In hindsight, I wish I had done and it's something that I do think about every day, what I should have done and how this is my fault because I drove him there.” — Gary Poland, Taxi Driver
- “I regret not helping the children, their screams were harrowing, and I can still hear them when I think back to that day.” — Gary Poland, Taxi Driver
- “I was in a state of complete mortal terror and shock.” — Gary Poland, Taxi Driver
- “If I thought there was a need to call police, I would.” — Gary Poland, Taxi Driver
The inquiry continues to explore the complexities of this tragic event, focusing on accountability and the lessons that can be learned to enhance community safety.
