Man accused of failing to disclose information over Manchester synagogue attack denies charge

A man has denied in court that he failed to disclose information connected to the Manchester synagogue attack.

Worshippers Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby were killed when Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, a Syrian-born British citizen, began attacking attendees of the Heaton Park synagogue with a knife on 2 October.

As police continue their investigation into the incident, Iraqi national Hekmat Omar Ali Hakim, 49, was charged on Thursday with failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity.

Hakim appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court via video link on Friday.

He was accompanied by an interpreter and only spoke to confirm his name and indicate he was entering a not guilty plea.

Prosecutor Sally-Anne Russell told the court that CCTV evidence of conversations between Hakim and Al-Shamie allegedly show him "condoning and supporting" the terrorist action.

Hakim attended the same mosque as Al-Shamie and travelled in a car with him several occasions before 2 October, the court heard.

Al-Shamie wore a fake suicide vest during the attack and was shot dead by police outside the synagogue.

The attack took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year for Jewish people.

See more from Sky News:
World's oldest person turns 117
Sussexes to return to UK

Mr Cravitz, 66, died from multiple knife wounds inflicted by Al-Shamie.

Mr Daulby, 53, was struck by a single gunshot wound to the chest fired by an armed police officer who rushed to the scene in Crumpsall.

Three other men were treated in hospital for serious injuries and later released.

Hakim was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on 25 September.

Police have made eight arrests in connection to the attack as of May, as investigators seek to piece together what had happened.

(c) Sky News 2026: Man accused of failing to disclose information over Manchester synagogue attack denies charge