Ahmed Ali Alid, 47, has denied attempting to murder prison imam Roderic Vassie at HMP Full Sutton in Yorkshire. Prosecutors allege that, after Friday prayers on 8 August last year, he used a sharp metal weapon to cut open the top of the imam’s head and stab him five times in the head and chest; the case concerns serious alleged violence against prison staff and religious personnel.

Alid also denies causing actual bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon in relation to the alleged attack. After being transferred to HMP Wakefield, he is separately accused of assaulting prison officer Sarah Mitchell on 21 October, allegedly leaving her with a broken nose and bruising; he was remanded in custody and is due to stand trial at Newcastle Crown Court on 25 November.