Life Sentences for Prison Terror Duo Who Attacked Officer Wearing Fake Suicide Belts
Two dangerous inmates were handed hefty life sentences at the Old Bailey for a brutal terrorist attack on a prison officer. Brusthom Ziamani, 25, and Baz Macaulay Hockton, 26, launched a vicious assault inside the prison, shouting “Allah Hu Akbar” and wielding improvised weapons while pretending to wear suicide belts made from wires and plastic cartons.
Attack Pre-Planned, Terror Motive Confirmed
Surveillance footage showed the pair meeting and plotting before the vicious attack on 9 January this year. They lured the unsuspecting officer to a cupboard under false pretences and then pushed him to the floor before savagely attacking him, intending to kill. Both Ziamani and Hockton were subdued by quick-acting prison staff.
The judge ruled the offences had a clear terrorist connection under the Terrorism Act 2008, leading to tougher sentences.
Sentences and Previous Violence
- Ziamani: Life imprisonment with a minimum of 21 years for attempted murder. Plus two years for bodily harm to a nurse and four months for assault on another officer, served concurrently.
- Hockton: Life imprisonment with a minimum of 23 years for attempted murder. He also got 10 years for a serious assault from a separate prison incident in 2019, all concurrent.
Investigators Praise Courage and Quick Response
“This was a calculated and horrific attack by two very dangerous prisoners who had one aim – to try and murder prison staff,” said Commander Richard Smith, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.
“I pay tribute to the outstanding professionalism and bravery of the courageous prison staff who responded. Their quick actions saved their colleague’s life.”
The injured prison officer himself said, “I thank those colleagues who risked their lives coming to my aid on that terrible day. Without their bravery, I would not be here today.”
Terror Writings Reveal Deadly Ideology
Detectives uncovered extremist writings from both men praising violent jihad and declaring support for Daesh. Ziamani carried a chilling two-page manifesto during the attack, expressing anticipation of martyrdom and calls to participate in suicide missions.
Judge May condemned the shocking ferocity of the violence and acknowledged the lasting trauma suffered by the victims. The men’s Islamist beliefs were key to their terror sentencing.
This case highlights the ongoing threat from radicalised prisoners and the heroic efforts of prison staff to keep them in check.
