Bomb plotter denies prison 'terror' attack

MANCHESTER Arena bomb plotter Hashem Abedi has pleaded not guilty to carrying out “terrorist” attacks on prison officers with hot cooking oil and makeshift weapons.

- By Michael Knowles

Plea...Hashem Abedi

The defendant, 28, appeared at the Old Bailey yesterday by videolink from Belmarsh maximum security jail in South London flanked by four prison officers.

Prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward KC said the case had a terrorist connection. She said: “This case concerns an incident on April 12, 2025, at HMP Frankland when Mr Abedi was being detained.

“During a session where he was permitted to use cooking equipment he attacked and attempted to murder three prison officers using hot oil and makeshift weapons he had constructed himself.

“He also assaulted a fourth prison officer.”