Manchester attack: Hashem Abedi refuses to leave cell

Image copyright GMP Image caption Hashem Abedi was arrested in Libya the day after the bombing

The brother of Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi has refused to leave his cell for his sentencing hearing.

Hashem Abedi was convicted of murdering 22 people in the 2017 Manchester terror attack in March.

The Old Bailey heard he helped his brother to plan the "sudden and lethal" blast in which hundreds of people were injured.

A two-day sentencing hearing is under way but Abedi has refused to enter the courtroom.

Mr Justice Jeremy Baker said: "I have no power to direct that force be used to compel him to come into court."

Abedi had denied helping to plan the attack at the end of an Ariana Grande concert on 22 May 2017.

At his trial, jurors were told how the brothers worked together to source materials, which were used in the bombing.

On 17 March, he was found guilty of 22 counts of murder, one count of attempted murder - encompassing the remaining injured - and conspiring to cause explosions.

Image copyright Family handouts Image caption Top (left to right): Lisa Lees, Alison Howe, Georgina Callender, Kelly Brewster, John Atkinson, Jane Tweddle, Marcin Klis, Eilidh MacLeod - Middle (left to right): Angelika Klis, Courtney Boyle, Saffie Roussos, Olivia Campbell-Hardy, Martyn Hett, Michelle Kiss, Philip Tron, Elaine McIver - Bottom (left to right): Wendy Fawell, Chloe Rutherford, Liam Allen-Curry, Sorrell Leczkowski, Megan Hurley, Nell Jones

Abedi would have been eligible for a whole-life sentence had he been over the age of 21 at the time of the bombing, the court has heard.

Mr Justice Jeremy Baker said it was a "matter for Parliament who pass legislation which prevents the court of making a whole-life order in the circumstances of this case".

The Old Bailey was told some of the victim impact and witness statements should not be read in open court, but instead be considered by the judge in private.

Survivor Claire Booth broke down in tears as she read her statement in memory of her sister Kelly Brewster, 32.

"Since 22 May 2017 our family has not been the same - all our hearts are broken," she said.

"It seems cruel that her life has been cut short.

"My dad has not been able to walk his daughter down the aisle, my mum can't take her shopping for a wedding dress."

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