Men accused of inmate murder could face trial next year

Shaan Karim, 38, Thierry Robinson, 21, and Ashirie Smith, 18, are charged with the joint murder of another inmate at HMP Fosse Way on August 20.

The 31-year-old victim was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Fosse Way and was pronounced dead (Jacob King/PA) (PA Archive)

Three prisoners accused of murdering a fellow inmate could face trial next year.

Shaan Karim, 38, Thierry Robinson, 21, and Ashirie Smith, 18, are charged with the joint murder of another inmate at HMP Fosse Way in Leicester on August 20.

The 31-year-old victim, named in reports as Mahir Abdulrahman, was found unresponsive in his cell at the category C prison and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two of the three defendants appeared at Northampton Crown Court via video link on Tuesday for a preliminary hearing in front of Judge James Burbidge KC.

Karim sat with his arms crossed throughout the short hearing from HMP Leicester while Robinson appeared from HMP Lincoln and both, wearing grey prison-issue tracksuits, spoke only to confirm their names.

Smith was due to be produced at Northampton Crown Court in person but the court was told his transport was running late so the hearing went ahead without him.

All three defendants are due to be produced for a plea hearing at Leicester Crown Court on October 4.

Judge Burbidge told Karim and Robinson: “You are facing a very serious charge. The next time you come to court will be October 4. In the meantime, you will be remanded in custody.”

A provisional trial date was set for March 3 2025.