Staff from the UK's courts and tribunals system accessed private information about victims, survivors, and witnesses of the Southport knife attack without proper authorization, it has been revealed. The unauthorized access included sensitive personal data, and officials have described the breach as likely to pose a high risk to the rights and freedoms of those involved. The incident was uncovered during a review of digital systems within the Ministry of Justice, and the individuals involved are now facing disciplinary action. The breach involved government employees from His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), who had no direct connection to the cases of those affected. These individuals accessed personal details through court systems, despite having no legitimate reason to do so. Some victims and their families have now been informed that their private information was accessed by these staff members. The Ministry of Justice has stated it is "appalled" by the incident and has apologized to those affected, calling unauthorized access to court files "completely unacceptable." The Southport attack, which occurred in July 2024, left three young girls dead and several others injured. Axel Rudakubana, then 19, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 52 years. An initial inquiry into the attack found that the stabbings "could and should" have been prevented if public bodies had taken steps to stop Rudakubana and if his parents had acted more responsibly. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has ordered the Lord Chancellor, Alex Norris, to conduct a separate investigation into the breach. The Information Commissioner's Office has also been informed of the incident. The Ministry of Justice has emphasized that any wrongdoing will be met with "extremely firm action," and the investigation is ongoing. The situation has raised concerns about data privacy and the security of sensitive court records.