Convicted terrorist and police killer denied parole

An al-Qaeda terrorist who stabbed to death a policeman has been denied parole.

Kamel Bourgass, 52, is serving a life term after being convicted of murdering Det Con Stephen Oake, 40, during a 2003 police raid in Manchester.

He was sentenced to a minimum of 22 years in 2004 and his application for parole went before a review panel in January.

A Parole Board spokesman told the BBC: "We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board refused the release of Kamel Bourgass following an oral hearing."

He added: "Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.

"A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims.

"Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing.

"Evidence from witnesses such as probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements may be given at the hearing.

"It is standard for the prisoner and witnesses to be questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more.

Bourgass will be eligible under current legislation for a further review at a date set by the Ministry of Justice, the spokesman confirmed - adding "parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care, protecting the public is our number one priority."

Bourgass stabbed DC Oake with a kitchen knife and wounded four other officers after a police raid on his flat in Crumpsall, Manchester on 14 January 2003.

At the time of his arrest he was also wanted in connection with the Wood Green ricin plot in London.

In 2005, while in jail, he was also convicted of "conspiracy to cause a public nuisance by using poisons and/or explosives" and sentenced to 17 years in prison.

In 2015 Bourgass was segregated for several months at HMP Whitemoor for his involvement in faith-related attacks on other inmates, a decision that the Supreme Court later ruled was unlawful.

DC Oake was posthumously awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal in 2009 the third highest award for civilian bravery after the George Medal and George Cross.

His funeral took place at Manchester Cathedral with over 1,000 in attendance, including the then prime minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.