Two prison officers, Raymond Cook, 50, and Mark Bedford, 36, appeared in Manchester Crown Court accused of committing perjury during an inquest related to John Ahmed's death in 2015.

Raymond Cook is charged with making a false statement while sworn in as a witness at an inquest at Manchester Coroners' Court between February 27 and March 29, 2017. The statement involved details about the restraint used on Mr. Ahmed and his condition, including whether he appeared intoxicated, as well as the creation and dating of a report submitted to the Coroner.

Mark Bedford faces similar charges, accused of exaggerating details in his statement to portray Mr. Ahmed as more violent, aligning his testimony with Cook's account.

Both officers pled not guilty to the charges. Their trial is set for March 28, 2022, and both were granted unconditional bail. A Prison Service spokesperson confirmed the officers' suspension pending the trial outcome.