{
  "id": 7769795,
  "title": "Ministry of Justice apologizes after court staff accessed Southport victims' files",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/ministry-of-justice-apologizes-after-court-staff-accessed-southport-7769795",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-16T10:42:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Register Science",
    "slug": "the-register-science",
    "url": "https://www.theregister.com/security/2026/09/16/ministry-of-justice-apologizes-after-court-staff-accessed-southport-victims-files/5296808"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has issued an apology after court staff accessed sensitive files belonging to victims and survivors of the 2024 Southport murders without permission. The unauthorized access targeted specific individuals, revealing personal data that could jeopardize their rights and freedoms. There is no indication that the information was shared with outside parties. An MoJ spokesperson expressed deep distress over the incident, emphasizing that unauthorized access to court files is entirely intolerable. The organization has launched an urgent investigation, with the Prime Minister instructing the Lord Chancellor to lead the inquiry. Those responsible will face severe consequences. The Register inquired about the number of staff involved, their current employment status, and the reasons behind their actions, but the MoJ declined to provide further details. The affected parties consist of victims and survivors' families, all of whom are being notified directly. The Ministry of Justice, along with HM Prison and Probation Service and HM Courts and Tribunals Service, are currently conducting the investigation. The Information Commissioner's Office has been informed of the breach. This incident follows a string of similar cases involving unauthorized access to sensitive records related to the Southport attack. Additionally, the North West Ambulance Service is investigating potential misuse of patient records related to the incident. A total of nearly 50 staff members were found to have improperly accessed medical records of victims treated at Aintree University Hospital. The perpetrator, Axel Rudakubana, a 17-year-old at the time, carried out the attack on July 29, 2024, resulting in the deaths of three children and injuries to eight others and two adults. Rudakubana, who has since been placed in a psychiatric facility, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum of 52 years.",
  "summary": "Sensitive personal data was involved, but there is no evidence it was shared with third parties",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Register",
        "title": "Ministry of Justice apologizes after court staff accessed Southport victims' files",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/ministry-of-justice-apologizes-after-court-staff-accessed-southport",
        "published": "2026-09-16T10:42:28.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}