A DISPUTE over the length of his toenails kept Abu Hamza al-Masri, the radical Islamist cleric, from appearing at the Old Bailey yesterday.

The Egyptian-born preacher who has no arms and uses a hooked prosthetic limb, wanted to wear flip-flops rather than shoes for the short walk from his cell to the videolink suite at Belmarsh prison.

But the prison’s duty governor refused the footwear request on health and safety grounds and called two doctors to examine Abu Hamza’s feet.

They concluded that his toenails were normal but despite that, Abu Hamza, who faces 16 charges including soliciting to murder, refused to leave his cell.

He is to be examined again by a chiropodist before a court hearing in two weeks’ time.

Abu Hamza, 47, had been scheduled to enter pleas to the charges against him before Judge Peter Beaumont, the Recorder of London.

But the judge, lawyers and court officials were kept waiting while the minor medical drama unfolded out of sight at the southeast London jail.

A prison officer eventually informed the court that Abu Hamza would not leave his cell.

“He is refusing to come over here,” the officer said. “He is being checked by medical staff. He is saying he is unable to walk.”

Paul Hynes, for the defence, said: “There is a particular physical difficulty with him. He feels unable to walk. He has been perambulating round the prison barefoot. It is a long-standing problem.”

Mr Hynes said that the defence was not ready, in any case, to enter pleas.

Adina Ezekiel, for the prosecution, said: “The Crown do have some concerns. He is complaining his toenails are too long.”

Miss Ezekiel asked that Abu Hamza be produced in person for future court appearances.

The judge asked for a report on Abu Hamza’s condition and said that future proceedings might have to be held at Woolwich Crown Court, beside the prison. Abu Hamza has repeatedly complained about his treatment in the jail.

He maintains that he receives inadequate medical treatment for his disability, and suffers diabetes and a painful skin complaint. Last year the prison authorities offered him and other Muslim inmates pork chops as their halal meal.

A Prison Service spokesman said that Abu Hamza’s toenails were two or three millimetres longer than usual and were no impediment to walking. He added: “He has been referred to a chiropodist just to make sure.”

The judge remanded Abu Hamza in custody for a further 14 days and ordered that any trial in the case should take place on July 4.

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