Man jailed over bomb hoax call to synagogue

Markel Ible was jailed for 10 months at Leeds Crown Court

A man who made a bomb hoax call to a synagogue days after a fatal attack at a synagogue in Manchester has been jailed for 10 months.

Markel Ible, 32, made the call to Sinai Synagogue in Roundhay, Leeds, on 6 October, four days after an attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall which led to the death of two men and left three others seriously injured.

Ible, of St Martins Gardens, Leeds, claimed to have left a bomb at the site that was due to go off the following day.

Ann Graham, senior crown prosecutor for CPS Yorkshire and Humberside, said Ible was "acutely aware of the consequences of his actions, which were intended to sow panic and fear".

Ms Graham added that the timing of the hoax call, made from an unknown number, "makes it all the more disturbing".

Ible was charged with communicating false information via a bomb hoax the day after the offence took place and has been in custody since 8 October, when he admitted the offence at Leeds Crown Court.

He was jailed at the same court on Wednesday.

Ms Graham said she hoped the conviction would send "a clear message that the CPS will always seek to prosecute those who spread hatred and antisemitism".

Dave Rich, director of policy for Jewish charity Community Security Trust, said: "The hoax call was designed to spread panic and distress at a time when the community was already feeling vulnerable.

"It is essential to send out a strong message that this kind of anti-Jewish hate will not be allowed, and we are grateful to the police and the CPS for their swift response."

An inquest into the deaths of Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, at the Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue attack, opened earlier.

Three men were also injured when Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, targeted the place of worship on the holy day of Yom Kippur, driving his car at those gathering before attacking others with a knife and trying to enter the synagogue.

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