A prisoner accused of attacking a prison imam and a prison officer in two separate incidents has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Ahmed Ali Alid, 47, appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from HMP Wakefield on Friday and denied charges of attempted murder, occasioning actual bodily harm, and possession of an offensive weapon.
The defendant is set to face trial at Newcastle Crown Court on November 25, following allegations that he attacked Roderic Vassie, a prison imam, at HMP Full Sutton in Yorkshire on August 8, 2023. Prosecutors allege Alid used a sharp weapon, slicing the top of the imam’s head open and stabbing him five times in the head and chest area. CCTV footage is cited as evidence of the attack, which occurred after Friday prayers.
In a separate incident, Alid is accused of assaulting prison officer Sarah Mitchell at HMP Wakefield on October 21, 2023. Prosecutors state that after she opened his cell door, he threw multiple items at her, causing injuries including a broken nose and bruising. The defendant, who was assisted by a Moroccan translator during the hearing, remains in custody pending trial.