Arena bomb plotter denies attempted murder of prison officers

Arena bomb plotter Hashem Abedi has pleaded not guilty to carrying out “terrorist” attacks on prison officers at HMP Frankland, in County Durham, using hot cooking oil and makeshift weapons.

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Abedi, 28, appeared at the Old Bailey by videolink from Belmarsh jail in south London.

Outlining the allegations, Prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward KC, said: “This case concerns an incident on April 12 2025 at HMP Frankland when Mr Abedi was being detained.”

“During the course of a session where he was permitted to use cooking equipment he attacked and attempted to murder three prison officers.. He also assaulted a fourth prison officer.”