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Woolwich murder suspect predicted alleged prison assault, family claim Woolwich murder suspect predicted alleged prison assault, family claim
(about 7 hours later)
The family of the Woolwich murder suspect Michael Adebolajo say he had predicted he would be attacked by prison officers in Belmarsh prison before he was allegedly assaulted this week.The family of the Woolwich murder suspect Michael Adebolajo say he had predicted he would be attacked by prison officers in Belmarsh prison before he was allegedly assaulted this week.
His relatives have accused prison officers in the high-security establishment of assaulting the 28-year-old in what they claim was an unprovoked attack on Wednesday in which he reportedly lost two teeth while being restrained. His relatives have accused prison officers at the high-security establishment of assaulting the 28-year-old in what they claim was an unprovoked attack on Wednesday in which he reportedly lost two teeth while being restrained.
Prison officers confirmed that a prisoner was subjected to "approved techniques called 'control and restraint" that day but deny any wrongdoing. The Prison Service confirmed five officers have been removed from duty following an incident. A spokesman said: "Five members of staff have been suspended while police investigations are ongoing. It would in inappropriate to comment any further at this point."
In a statement, the Prison Officers Association said: "Our members strenuously deny any wrongdoing and the POA will be supporting them legally and emotionally during this difficult time. The use of restraint is only used where necessary when dealing with incidents up and down the country." Prison officers confirmed that a prisoner had been subjected to "approved techniques called 'control and restraint'" that day but deny any wrongdoing.
The Metropolitan police is investigating the incident at the high security prison where Adebolajo is being held on remand with Michael Adebowale. They are both charged with the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby in Woolwich. In a statement, the Prison Officers Association said: "Our members strenuously deny any wrongdoing and the POA will be supporting them legally and emotionally during this difficult time.
According to CagePrisoners, a charity supporting the relatives of prisoners, family sources say that Adebolajo had previously complained that prison officers had been waiting for opportunities to harm him. "The use of restraint is only used where necessary when dealing with incidents up and down the country."
Relatives claim this reached a climax on Wednesday morning when – they say – unprovoked, a prison guard assaulted him, knocked out two of his teeth and smashed his head against a window. The Metropolitan police are investigating the incident at the prison, where Adebolajo is being held on remand with Michael Adebowale. They are both charged with the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby in Woolwich.
Arnaud Mafille, casework officer at CagePrisoners, said: "Whilst we understand that an investigation into the conduct of the officer under question is now under way, one must ask how such allegations have emanated from a man placed within an isolated prison unit." According to CagePrisoners, a charity supporting prisoners' relatives, family sources say Adebolajo had previously complained that prison officers had been waiting for opportunities to harm him.
The POA said it would fully co-operate with any police investigation, and expected the officers to be fully exonerated. But a spokesman criticised the Ministry of Justice, saying it had done "little to avoid sensationalist reporting" of the incident over the last 48 hours. Relatives claim a prison guard assaulted him without provocation on Wednesday morning, knocking out two of his teeth and smashing his head against a window. Arnaud Mafille, casework officer at CagePrisoners, said: "Whilst we understand that an investigation into the conduct of the officer under question is now under way, one must ask how such allegations have emanated from a man placed within an isolated prison unit."
The Ministry of Justice has refused to confirm reports that Adebolajo had suffered injuries to his mouth or that he had been targeted by prison officers. The POA said it would fully co-operate with any police investigation, and expected officers to be fully exonerated.
But a spokesman criticised the Ministry of Justice, saying it had done "little to avoid sensationalist reporting" of the incident over the last 48 hours. The Ministry of Justice has refused to confirm reports that Adebolajo suffered injuries to his mouth or was targeted by prison officers.
A spokeswoman said: "The police are investigating an incident that took place at HMP Belmarsh on 17 July. It would be inappropriate to comment while the investigation [is] ongoing."A spokeswoman said: "The police are investigating an incident that took place at HMP Belmarsh on 17 July. It would be inappropriate to comment while the investigation [is] ongoing."
Adebolajo, from Romford, is accused of hacking Rigby to death near Woolwich barracks in south-east London on 22 May. Adebowale, 22, from Greenwich, has been accused alongside him. The trial is scheduled to begin on 18 November. Adebolajo, from Romford, is accused of hacking Rigby to death near Woolwich barracks in south-east London on 22 May. Adebowale, 22, from Greenwich, has been accused alongside him. The trial is due to begin on 18 November.
Adebolajo faces further charges related to the attempted murder of two police officers and possession of a firearm with intent to cause others to believe that violence would be used. Adebolajo faces further charges related to the attempted murder of two police officers and possession of a firearm with intent to cause others to believe violence would be used.
Rigby, a machine gunner and ceremonial drummer in the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was given a military funeral last week. The prime minister, David Cameron, and mayor of London, Boris Johnson, joined thousands of mourners at the ceremony in Bury, near Manchester. Rigby, a machine gunner and ceremonial drummer with the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was given a military funeral last week.
Rigby's death has sparked several clashes between rival protesters despite pleas from police and the soldier's family for it not to be used for political gain. The prime minister, David Cameron, and mayor of London, Boris Johnson, joined thousands of mourners at the ceremony in Bury, near Manchester.Rigby's death has sparked several clashes between rival protesters despite pleas from police and the soldier's family for it not to be used for political gain.
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