A man has denied failing to disclose information in relation to the October 2 terror attack at Heaton Park synagogue in Crumpsall.
Worshippers Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby were killed when Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, a Syrian-born British citizen, drove into the gates of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on October 2 last year. He then began attacking with a knife, while wearing a fake suicide belt, before being shot dead by police outside the synagogue.
Court appearance
Iraqi national Hekmat Omar Ali Hakim, 49, of St James Road, Higher Broughton, Manchester, is charged with failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity.
Hakim appeared by video-link accompanied by an interpreter at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning. He spoke only to confirm his name and indicate not guilty pleas.
Prosecution allegations
Sally-Anne Russell, prosecuting, alleged that CCTV evidence of conversations between Hakim and Al-Shamie show him “condoning and supporting” the terrorist action.
Hakim attended the same mosque as Al-Shamie and travelled in a car with him on a number of occasions before October 2, the court heard.
Attack details
The attack took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year for Jews. Mr Cravitz, 66, died from multiple knife wounds inflicted by Al-Shamie while Mr Daulby, 53, was struck by a single gunshot wound to the chest fired by an armed police officer scrambled to the scene in Crumpsall. Three other men were treated in hospital for serious injuries and later released.
Hakim was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on September 25.
