The taxi driver who transported Axel Rudakubana to the Southport dance studio where he committed a fatal attack resulting in the deaths of three children has had his licence revoked by Sefton council. A public inquiry into the July 29, 2024 incident revealed that Gary Poland left the scene while children were running alongside his vehicle, and delayed calling the police for 50 minutes. Following the attack, Poland reportedly contacted a friend expressing concerns about a potential gunman and fearing for his own safety before accepting another fare.

Poland, 57, was employed by One Call taxis at the time he picked up Rudakubana, the teenage attacker. The three victims—Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven—were killed during the assault. Rudakubana was sentenced in January 2023 to a minimum of 52 years in prison.

During the inquiry, Poland expressed regret over his actions on the day of the attack. It was also disclosed that more than £5,000 was raised to support him after his vehicle was seized by police, leaving him uncertain about how long he would be unable to work.

Following a thorough review, Sefton council concluded that Poland “did not meet the appropriate standards set out in Sefton council’s taxi licensing policy.” Representatives for the families of the victims described the decision to revoke Poland’s licence as a “necessary step towards securing individual accountability for those whose actions fell below the standards the public should expect.”

The council’s ruling emphasizes the importance of maintaining professional standards among licensed drivers, particularly in incidents involving public safety. The revocation marks a significant administrative response to Poland’s conduct during a tragic event that left the community deeply affected.