Alleged associate of Manchester synagogue attacker denies charges

An alleged associate of the Manchester synagogue attacker has denied driving him to the UK's Defence Academy (UKDA) to carry out hostile reconnaissance. Mohammad Bashir, 31, is charged with the preparation of terrorist acts and three counts of disseminating terrorist publications on WhatsApp in November and December 2024. He allegedly transported Jihad Al-Shamie to the UKDA in Shrivenham, Oxfordshire, on 14 August to carry out hostile reconnaissance, weeks before Heaton Park Synagogue in Crumpsall was attacked on 2 October. Bashir, of Shaftsbury Road in Manchester, pleaded not guilty at the Old Bailey in London and was remanded in custody. His Manchester Crown Court trial will start on 6 July. The court was told the assistance allegedly provided by Bashir was not in relation to the synagogue attack. Worshippers Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby were killed after 35-year-old Al-Shamie, a Syrian-born UK citizen, drove his Kia Picanto into the gates of the synagogue and began attacking with a knife, wearing a fake suicide belt. He was shot dead by armed police as he carried out the attack. Bashir was arrested at Manchester Airport on 27 November. He was told he faces a four-week trial