A PRISONER has denied trying to murder the jail’s imam after allegedly slicing his head open before stabbing him five times.
Ahmed Ali Alid, 47, is accused of trying to kill Roderic Vassie after Friday prayers at HMP Full Sutton, near York, on August 8 last year.
The Moroccan national, who appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday via video link, pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and unauthorised possession of a knife in prison.
Alid also denies attacking a prison officer in a separate incident.
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Prosecutor Sally-Anne Russell earlier said: “The first incident was on 8 August, he attacked the imam in the prison using a sharp weapon.
“CCTV shows he walked over to Imam Vassie and sliced the top of his head open and stabbed him a further five times in the head and chest area.”
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The court previously heard the lag was transferred to HMP Wakefield – nicknamed Monster Mansion – where he is accused of attacking prison officer Sarah Mitchell on October 21 2025.
He is charged with assaulting Ms Mitchell occasioning her actual bodily harm.
Ms Russell said the officer was left with a “broken nose, with lacerations needed, a black eye, and a broken front tooth”.
The prosecutor said the alleged attack happened after the officer opened the defendant’s cell door, with him “throwing multiple items at her”.
Mrs Justice Cheema Grubb set a trial to begin on November 30 to take place at Newcastle Crown Court.
It is expected to last two to three weeks.
