Abu Hamza Judge Says Prison 'Not A Hotel'

Radical preacher Abu Hamza has been given short shrift by a judge after complaining about new prosthetics he was given to replace his metal hooks.

US District Judge Katherine Forrest made some concessions to the cleric's legal team but was hesitant about his demands for a new toilet and improvements to his cell as he waits to face terror charges.

She said prison was "not a hotel and so you don't get clean sheets and everything on demand".

Hamza's lawyer Joshua Dratel said his client was disappointed with his new devices after he appeared without prosthetics at a hearing in New York.

Mr Dratel said the prosthetics were "not accomplishing what he needs to accomplish," including gripping things that he more easily picks up with his hooks.

The new devices have been described as "sporks" as they reportedly resemble a cross between a spoon and a fork.

Hamza was extradited from Britain to the United States last year to face charges that he conspired with Seattle men to set up a terrorist training camp in Oregon.

He also is charged with helping to abduct two US tourists and 14 other people in Yemen in 1998. He has pleaded not guilty. His trial is scheduled for March 2014.

Lawyers have said that not enough is being done to help Hamza in prison.

But the judge said a major issue had been resolved with an arrangement to provide him with a laptop computer to review evidence in his cell.

Another defence lawyer, Lindsay Lewis, said Hamza had not yet received the laptop.

The judge also said the new prosthetics ultimately may provide Hamza relief from some of the pain caused by wearing the old prosthetics or from the times when he has not been permitted to use the metal hook devices.

Plans were made for an occupational therapist to visit Hamza and help with any issues related to the new prosthetics, the judge was told.