Alleged 'close associate' of Manchester synagogue killer denies withholding information that could have prevented the Yom Kippur attack

From the Newshound archive · first published 25 September 2026 · last updated 26 September 2026.

Hekmat Ali Hakim, 49, an Iraqi national from Salford, pleaded not guilty at the Old Bailey on Friday to failing to disclose information about the Manchester synagogue terror attack that killed two worshippers. Prosecutors allege Hakim, described as a "close associate" of attacker Jihad Al-Shamie, knew information between August and October last year that could have materially assisted police in preventing the atrocity. He was remanded in custody and a trial date was set for 17 May 2027 at Manchester Crown Court.

Al-Shamie, a Syrian-born British citizen, drove into the gates of Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Yom Kippur and attacked worshippers with a knife while wearing a fake suicide belt before being shot dead by police.

Melvin Cravitz, 66, died from multiple stab wounds; Adrian Daulby, 53, was struck by a police bullet fired at the attacker, with three other men hospitalised with serious injuries.

Hakim, who required an interpreter throughout Friday's hearing, appeared via video link from prison and had previously indicated not guilty pleas at Westminster Magistrates' Court.