Luton mum "shocked" and "relieved" as man who planned to attack her children's school is behind bars
19-year-old Nicholas Prosper, from Luton, was jailed for life yesterday for murdering three family members - but he also wanted to attack a local school
A Luton mother has spoken of her relief after a man was sentenced for planning an attack on a local school.
19-year-old Nicholas Prosper, from Luton, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 49 years after killing three members of his family at their flat on September 13 last year. He had also been planning to shoot at least 30 young children and two teachers at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, driven by a desire for notoriety and to cause "the biggest massacre in the 21st century."
He was stopped by police before he could carry out his plans.
Roisin Kendall, 46, described her reaction upon learning that St Joseph’s, where her children attend, had been a target. “Initially disbelief, and kind of terror for my own children and my niece. Then the reality set in, and I was just really grateful that the police were able to apprehend him so he was unable to carry out his crimes.”
She explained that the incident had made her reconsider her children’s safety at school. “We automatically think they're safe. This made me realise how vulnerable they could have been.”
The primary school said it was "devastated" to learn that it had been targeted by Prosper. Headteacher Maureen Murphy stated: "We were extremely shocked and devastated to learn that there was a plan to target children and staff at our school, in particular the early years classes. However, we are comforted that our children and staff did not come to any harm."
The school has since reviewed its safeguarding systems, including lockdown and safety procedures, with support from Luton Council. It is also providing counselling services for those affected. “We fully appreciate that the details revealed in the sentencing hearing may be upsetting and distressing for staff, parents, carers, and children,” Murphy added.
Roisin expressed anger over how Prosper was able to access a firearm. “How did he manage to get that firearm? He had clearly planned this for a long time. We have to look at how these things happen and what can be done to stop them.”
She also spoke about discussing the situation with her children. “We allowed my eldest to watch the news because she would hear about it at school. For my younger child, we kept it simple, making sure they knew they were safe.”
Luton Council leader Hazel Simmons praised the resilience of the school community and called for a national conversation around school security, firearm access, and internet regulation. “As troubling and concerning as these revelations are, it is important to remember that this individual was not able to cause any harm to the school and there are robust systems in place to keep children safe at all times.”
Despite the incident, Roisin said she would not let it change her family’s routine. “We have to get on with our lives. This man was unsuccessful, and we can't let people like him win by living in fear.” However, she admitted she is now more cautious. “I do look around more when I drop off and pick up my children.”
She also called for tighter controls on harmful online content, as Prosper had reportedly accessed material related to mass shootings. “We have the Prevent strategy, but we need something similar for people accessing this kind of material. The platforms hosting this content should take responsibility.”
Roisin credited the police for their role in preventing the attack. “Bedfordshire Police are the unsung heroes in this. If it wasn't for them stopping him in his tracks, I dread to think what could have happened. We will always be grateful.”
She concluded by saying she would not focus on Prosper. “I don’t want to think about him. Talking about him is what he wanted. He’s gone now, and that’s what matters.”