Terrorist and radicalised inmate convicted of trying to kill guard at top-security jail

From Sky News

A terrorist jailed for plotting an attack inspired by the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby has been convicted of trying to kill a guard at a top-security jail.

Brusthom Ziamani, who was jailed for 22 years after he was caught with a hammer and knife en route to behead a soldier in 2014, attacked Neil Trundle with a radicalised inmate. (I think they meant to write ‘in company with a radicalised inmate’, not using the other inmate as a weapon, some sort of human blunt instrument) 

The pair also injured two female staff members who tried to help their colleague. 

Ziamani, 25, planned the terror attack with Baz Hockton, 26, after meeting at HMP Whitemoor in Cambridgeshire. They used makeshift bladed weapons and wore fake suicide belts when they carried out the scheme on 9 January, the Old Bailey heard.

The defendants lured Mr Trundle – described as “kind and helpful” – to a store cupboard, supposedly to get them a spoon. They then set upon him, targeting his head, upper chest and neck areas shouting “Allahu Akbar”.

Ziamani briefly broke off during the onslaught to punch nurse Jayle Cowles and prison officer Georgina Ibbotson.

When another officer approached, he opened his jacket to expose the fake suicide belt, and said: “I’ve got a bomb.” Hockton was seen charging at another officer on graphic CCTV footage before both inmates were restrained. One of the “suicide belts” was made of a battery and pressurised can, and the other from boxer short elastic, electrical cable and plastic bottles.

Following the verdicts, Mr Trundle, who has 14 years of experience working in prisons, said: “I thank those colleagues of mine who risked their lives coming to my aid on that terrible day. If it was not for their bravery and instant response, I am convinced I would not be here today.”

Ziamani, originally from Camberwell, south London, had denied attempted murder and wounding with intent, but admitted assaulting the two women.

He claimed he wanted to be transferred because Whitemoor had become hostile to Muslims in the wake of former inmate Usman Khan’s attack at Fishmonger Hall, in which two Cambridge students died.

Hockton, originally from Dagenham and Ramsgate, who declined to give evidence, had denied attempted murder but admitted wounding with intent.

Prosecutors said Ziamani’s plan to become a “martyr” was spelled out in handwritten notes.  “The document sets out support for ISIS and calls for participation in suicide attacks against enemies of Islamic State. The statement calls for the restoration of the Caliphate.”

The court heard how one chilling extract from the note read: “Oh don’t hesitate’, oh Knights of Islam. To sacrifice your souls for Allah, depending on your state, Shayteen (satan) tries to put doubts in your minds but ignore him and fulfil your duties to sacrifice your souls for Allah.”

A document found in Hockton’s cell read: “May Allah make me and you the best Shouhada (martyrs) very very soon and remove the whispers of Satan from us”, the court was told.

The two men did not react as the jury’s verdict was read out, but could be seen smiling as they were sent to the cells.

The judge, Mrs Justice May, listed the case for sentence at 2pm on Thursday, October 8