This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22290927
The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Birmingham bomb plot leaders jailed | |
(35 minutes later) | |
Leaders of a Birmingham terror cell that planned an attack to rival the 7 July and 9/11 atrocities have been jailed. | |
Irfan Naseer, 31, was sentenced to life with a minimum of 18 years, Irfan Khalid, 28, was given 18 years and Ashik Ali was sentenced to 15 years. | |
The judge said Naseer wanted to turn part of Birmingham into a "little war zone". | The judge said Naseer wanted to turn part of Birmingham into a "little war zone". |
Eight other members of the terror cell will be sentenced later. | |
The group had planned to set off up to eight bombs in rucksacks, using timers to detonate the charges. | |
'Skilful bomb-maker' | |
Detectives believe the terror plot is the most significant to be uncovered since the 2006 conspiracy to blow up transatlantic airliners using bombs disguised as soft drinks. | |
Mr Justice Henriques told Naseer during sentencing: "Your plot had the blessing of al-Qaeda and you intended to further the aims of al-Qaeda." | |
The trio were found guilty on terrorism charges in February, having been arrested in 2011 amid fears an attack was imminent. | |
Khalid was sentenced to 18 years with a further five on licence. Ali was jailed for 15 years with five on licence. | |
The judge described Naseer as a "skilful bomb-maker". | |
He said: "Clearly nothing was going to stop you, short of intervention of the authorities. | |
"I have no doubt you would have continued with your plan but for that intervention. | |
"Many deaths were planned by a determined team of individuals who were fully radicalised and you, Naseer, were their leader. | |
"No lack of assets, skill or manpower was going to stop you." |