Police wanted Streatham terrorist to remain in jail
STREATHAM terrorist Sudesh Amman was released from prison despite fears over his ‘extremist views’ and apparent intent to strike again, his inquest heard.
The 20-year-old’s ‘unrepentant’ behaviour in HMP Belmarsh so concerned police that they asked the prison governor not to release him.
But the request was rejected because the offence he was jailed for could not justify an extension of his sentence.
Amman was under 24-hour surveillance when he ran into a shop, stole a kitchen knife and went on a 62-second rampage in Streatham High Road, south London, on February 2, 2020.
He stabbed and injured two passersby, while wearing a fake suicide vest, before he was shot and killed by armed police a minute later.
Det Supt Dominic Murphy said Amman was arrested in May 2018 on suspicion of preparing and engaging in acts of terrorism. He was jailed for 40 months and automatically released on January 23, 2020, part-way through his sentence.
A search of Amman’s prison cell previously turned up hand-written notes in Arabic that ‘appeared to show loyalty’ to Daesh.
He also made a troubling comment to an inmate. Mr Murphy said: ‘He told
another prisoner he was “not finished with these non-believers yet”.’
Images were shown of Amman on the afternoon he struck, wearing a camouflage jacket and beanie hat, and carrying a JD Sports bag, when he was under surveillance by nine officers.
One gave chase after Amman grabbed an 8in knife from a shop display and ran with it along the high street, stabbing members of the public.
Coroner Mr Justice Hilliard said: ‘Within a few seconds, Amman stabbed a lady in the back outside the White Lion public house. A few seconds later, while still running, he stabbed a man by Cash Converters, in the right side of
his torso.’ Mr Justice Hilliard said a second officer shot at Amman, shattering a shop window. Amman turned to face them while still holding the knife, during which both officers opened fire. He suffered neck and abdomen wounds and was pronounced dead at 3.24pm.
The inquest, at the Royal Courts of Justice, continues.