Manchester Arena Bomber Denies Prison Guard Murder Plot
Hashem Abedi Slams Attempted Murder Charges
Manchester Arena bomber Hashem Abedi has pleaded not guilty to trying to kill three prison guards in a violent attack behind bars. The 28-year-old told the Old Bailey he was dragged into court under heavy guard for the hearing.
Now locked up at maximum-security HMP Belmarsh, Abedi faced three counts of attempted murder and one charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The charges relate to a brutal incident at HMP Frankland during a prison cooking class on April 12, where Abedi allegedly used homemade blades and hot oil against the guards.
Bomb Plotter Snubs Lawyers, Defies Court
Representing himself, Abedi denied all charges including possession of offensive weapons. When judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb asked if he wanted legal aid, he shot back, “I don’t want to attend anyway, that’s what it is.”
He claimed he was forced to appear in court. “You say that I must attend… I’ve been told if I don’t attend I’m to be forced to attend, like for example today,” he said.
The judge replied bluntly, “It’s a matter for the prison authorities how to get you to the place where you need to be.”
Terror Links and Grim Trial Dates Ahead
Prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward KC told the court this violent attack is tied to terrorism. Abedi was jailed in 2020 for helping his brother Salman Abedi mastermind the Manchester Arena bombing that killed 22 at a 2017 concert.
He’s serving life, with a minimum 55 years behind bars.
The attempted murder trial is set to open on January 18, 2027, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for January 30, 2026. The case will be heard by a High Court judge.
