A taxi driver who transported the Southport killer to the location where he later murdered three young girls picked up another passenger before contacting the authorities.
Gary Poland, the cab driver, participated in a public inquiry via video link regarding the tragic deaths of Alice da Silva Aguiar, Bebe King, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, who were attending a dance class hosted by Taylor Swift last summer. Poland expressed feeling overwhelmed and entering a state of panic.
During the inquiry, Poland admitted to not intervening to assist the girls. He revealed that he took another passenger and contacted a friend before eventually calling emergency services approximately 50 minutes after dropping off the 18-year-old perpetrator, Axel Rudakubana.
Poland shared his remorse, stating, “I acted out of fear, shock, and panic. These were emotions beyond my control. I deeply regret not aiding the children. Their cries were distressing. I constantly think about that day and the ‘what ifs’.” Poland acknowledged that he should have acted sooner and expressed guilt for not ensuring the children’s safety.
Testifying at Liverpool Town Hall, Poland recounted how he threatened to involve the police when Rudakubana refused to pay for the fare. He believed Rudakubana had entered the building to retrieve money.
Reflecting on the incident, Poland acknowledged his failure to act promptly and expressed regret for not helping the children. He described feeling terror and shock, which prevented him from checking on the children’s well-being.
The inquiry revealed that shortly after departing Hart Street, Poland contacted his friend Julian Medlock and expressed concern about the situation. He recalled picking up Rudakubana from his residence in Banks, Lancashire, and mentioned that there were no red flags during the trip until dropping him off at Hart Street.
Poland asserted that had he known Rudakubana was carrying a knife, he would have intervened. When questioned if he would have disarmed Rudakubana, Poland affirmed that he would have acted, considering it was just a knife.
