Manchester Arena bombing plotter Hashem Abedi declined to attend court today to face charges of trying to murder three prison officers. Abedi, aged 28, is accused of assaulting guards at HMP Frankland in County Durham on April 12. Chief Magistrate Judge Paul Goldspring informed Westminster Magistrates’ Court that Abedi refused to leave his cell in HMP Belmarsh, located in southeast London, and decided not to have legal representation.
Judge Goldspring expressed the challenge posed by Abedi’s refusal, stating that the absence of legal counsel added further complexity to the situation. He highlighted the logistical difficulties arising from Abedi’s non-appearance and mentioned that without legal representation, he lacked the authority to proceed in the defendant’s absence. The judge indicated that he would contact the prison authorities to explore the option of using force to bring Abedi before the court on a later date.
Abedi previously did not show up for his sentencing at the Old Bailey in 2020 after dismissing his legal team and refusing to participate in his murder trial. He is currently serving a minimum term of 55 years for aiding his brother Salman in the terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 22 individuals in 2017.
Following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East, Abedi faces charges of three counts of attempted murder and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm against a fourth prison officer. Additionally, he is charged with the unauthorized possession of a knife or offensive weapon within the prison facility.
Abedi, who reportedly had access to a kitchen within the prison, is accused of pouring hot oil on prison officers and subsequently attacking them with blades. The proceedings were adjourned until the next Thursday for further developments.
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