In January 2020, alongside fellow inmate and convicted terrorist Brusthom Ziamani, Hockton launched a violent attack on a prison officer, armed with improvised weapons and wearing fake suicide belts. The incident sent shockwaves through the justice system, exposing the scale of Islamist extremism within high-security institutions.
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That same threat resurfaced recently when Hashem Abedi, one of the perpetrators of the Manchester Arena bombing, allegedly attacked three officers at HMP Frankland using makeshift weapons and boiling oil. Reports suggest that Islamist gangs have gained dominance within the prison, reportedly intimidating other inmates into joining or remaining silent. The violent culture fostered by these gangs has become increasingly difficult to contain, with incidents of intimidation, coercion, and conversions contributing to their growing influence. The Prison Officers’ Association warns that prisoners are joining for protection or perceived privileges, further complicating the issue.
Efforts have been made to address the radicalisation threat. Separation centres were introduced in select high-security prisons to isolate the most dangerous extremists, following recommendations by former prison governor Ian Acheson. However, critics argue that this approach has been inconsistent and insufficient. A 2022 report by Jonathan Hall KC highlighted how Islamist self-segregation has facilitated violent extremism, with “emirs” enforcing control, circulating contraband, and even establishing unofficial Sharia courts. Former inmates and experts alike warn that prison authorities have historically downplayed the issue due to fears of stoking Islamophobia or being labelled discriminatory, which has further hindered effective intervention.
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While some prison leaders assert that the system has become better equipped to manage extremism, others remain sceptical. Concerns over limited space and under-resourcing persist, with security experts criticising the culture of defensiveness within the Prison Service. Recent claims that prisoners at Frankland were placed in segregation for standing up to Islamist gangs were quickly denied by officials – despite segregation being standard practice for vulnerable inmates. The balance between maintaining order, upholding human rights, and confronting extremism remains delicate. Yet, with repeated incidents and rising tensions, many argue that the time for cautious responses has long passed. The system, once again, finds itself under scrutiny.
