Man denies charge over Manchester synagogue attack

A man has denied failing to disclose information in relation to the Manchester synagogue attack.

Hekmat Omar Ali Hakim appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court and pleaded not guilty to failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity.

The 49-year-old, of St James Road in Higher Broughton, Salford, spoke only to confirm his name and indicate his plea. He was remanded into custody to appear at at the Old Bailey on 25 September.

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 2 October.

He then began attacking with a knife, while wearing a fake suicide belt, before being shot dead by police outside the synagogue.

Sally-Anne Russell, prosecuting, alleged 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 various occasions before the attack, which took place on Yom Kippur, one of the holiest day of the Jewish religious calender

Cravitz, 66, died from knife wounds inflicted by Al-Shamie while Daulby, 53, was struck by a single gunshot wound to the chest fired by an armed police officer scrambled to the scene in the Crumpsall area of the city.

Greater Manchester Police said there have so far been eight arrests in connection with the attack, however this is the first charge that "relates directly".