A security guard who was seriously injured in the Manchester synagogue terrorist atrocity has told how his life 'changed forever' after the attack.
Dad Bernard Agyemang, 44, was hit by a car Jihad Al-Shamie drove at congregants gathering outside Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue in Crumpsall on October 2 last year. The terror attack happened on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur.
Al-Shamie then stabbed Melvin Cravitz, 66, who died from his injuries later in hospital. Adrian Daulby, 53, was inadvertently hit by a stray or deflected bullet fired by a police firearms officer and also died. The terrorist was shot dead at the scene by police.
Life changed forever
Mr Agyemang, from Whalley Range, Manchester, spoke out after an associate of Al-Shamie, Mohammad Bashir, 31 and from Cheetham Hill, was jailed for life for plotting a separate terror attack at a military base alongside the synagogue murderer.
Greater Manchester Police issued an apology over a 'missed opportunity' to prevent the Yom Kippur attack after it emerged police seized mobile phones from Al-Shamie which evidenced 'an extremist mindset' before the atrocity, but the data and messages on them weren't examined until after it had happened.
Mr Agyemang, who was spoken to by King Charles in the aftermath, suffered multiple broken bones, including fractures to his right leg and collarbone, as well as a suspected brain injury. He told how he continues to experience ongoing pain, cognitive difficulties and severe psychological trauma, including PTSD. He relies on crutches to walk - and said he still suffers flashbacks and nightmares.
Ongoing trauma
"I'm still struggling to process what happened," Mr Agyemang said. "For those of us who survived, life changed forever that day."
"While I'm relieved to see one of those involved in the planning and execution of terrorist attacks held accountable for his actions, no sentence will ever make up for the lives we have lost or the suffering my community has endured and continues to endure."
"I'm eternally grateful to still be here for Agnes and my children who've kept me going throughout my recovery. I dread to think where I would be without them. I try not to think about the events of that day, but I still suffer from nightmares and flashbacks."
"My body was left broken after the attack, and I live with constant physical pain but it's the trauma that has been the hardest to cope with."
"I now live with a great deal of fear for my family's safety in a place that once felt like the safest place in the world. By speaking out, I want to show that, despite everything, I will continue to work alongside my family and community as we support one another and gradually recover from this."
Mr Agyemang instructed law firm Irwin Mitchell to help him access specialist rehabilitation and therapies he needs.
Richard Biggs, the specialist serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing him, said: "Benard suffered extremely serious injuries in the October attack, which continues to have a profound impact on his life and that of his family and his community."
"The man sentenced may not have been directly involved in the synagogue attack, but his actions were serious and aided Al-Shamie."
"While Bernard is making progress in his recovery, he still faces significant challenges. Nothing can make up for the pain, trauma and loss caused on that dreadful day, but we remain committed to helping him access the specialist rehabilitation and support he needs."
