A long-awaited report into how Manchester Arena plotter Hashem Abedi allegedly attacked prison officers with boiling oil and homemade weapons has recommended adopting a US-style punishment and rewards system for the most dangerous inmates. The report, by Jonathan Hall KC, independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, was sent to the lord chancellor's office in August but has yet to be published.
Abedi, jailed for life in 2020 for helping his brother carry out the 2017 bombing that killed 22 people, is accused of attacking four prison officers at HMP Frankland in Durham on 12 April. Prosecutors allege he used makeshift knives and boiling oil, leaving three officers hospitalised. He has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and other charges.
The report is understood to recommend lessons from ADX Florence prison in Colorado, where privileges are earned or removed based on behaviour. Good behaviour can lead to extra privileges like exercise and TV; bad behaviour results in restrictions. The system aims to manage the most dangerous prisoners more effectively.
Andy Slaughter, Labour chair of the Commons justice select committee, has called for immediate publication. “After waiting four months, prison officers, the public and parliament should be able to see the recommendations… so we can make sure similar attacks never happen again,” he said.
The attack has sparked outrage among survivors and victims' families. Martin Hibbert, injured in the bombing, called it a “catastrophic failure”. Questions have been raised about why Abedi had access to kitchen utensils; his knives were fashioned from cake tins. The Ministry of Justice said it is reviewing the report and will publish it in due course.
