Overview
- Mr Justice Clive Sheldon found that continuing Sahayb Abu’s segregation could not be justified and unlawfully interfered with his human rights under the European Convention.
- Abu, jailed for life with a minimum term of 19 years in 2021 for plotting a lone‑wolf knife attack, spent over 22 hours a day in his cell and for about four months could communicate with prisoners only through his window.
- Medical evidence said segregation seriously exacerbated Abu’s PTSD, severe depression, and hallucinations, with the court concluding the regime caused disproportionate harm.
- The judge ruled the Ministry of Justice unlawfully failed to obtain an essential mental‑health assessment or provide therapeutic treatment and also identified a breach of the public sector equality duty.
- The Government said it is considering all options including an appeal, and the court will take representations on remedies, which could include damages, as political figures publicly criticized the ruling.