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Man jailed for terrorism offences | Man jailed for terrorism offences |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A man convicted of three terrorism offences has been sentenced to eight years in prison. | A man convicted of three terrorism offences has been sentenced to eight years in prison. |
Mohammed Atif Siddique, 21, from Alva, in Clackmannanshire, appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh. | Mohammed Atif Siddique, 21, from Alva, in Clackmannanshire, appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh. |
At his trial, jury members were told the young Muslim was a "wannabe suicide bomber" who had been apprehended by police targeting extreme Islamists. | At his trial, jury members were told the young Muslim was a "wannabe suicide bomber" who had been apprehended by police targeting extreme Islamists. |
Siddique was convicted of possessing terrorism-related items including videos of weapons use and bomb-making. | Siddique was convicted of possessing terrorism-related items including videos of weapons use and bomb-making. |
Delivering sentence, judge Lord Carloway told Siddique: "You told fellow college students that you intended to become a terrorist and one of your targets would be central Glasgow." | Delivering sentence, judge Lord Carloway told Siddique: "You told fellow college students that you intended to become a terrorist and one of your targets would be central Glasgow." |
The student was found guilty of collecting terrorist-related information, setting up websites showing how to make and use weapons and explosives, and circulating inflammatory terrorist publications. | The student was found guilty of collecting terrorist-related information, setting up websites showing how to make and use weapons and explosives, and circulating inflammatory terrorist publications. |
SENTENCING STATEMENT Read the judge's comments [28KB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here | SENTENCING STATEMENT Read the judge's comments [28KB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here |
A further charge of breach of the peace related to claims that he showed students at Glasgow Metropolitan College images of suicide bombers and terrorist beheadings. | A further charge of breach of the peace related to claims that he showed students at Glasgow Metropolitan College images of suicide bombers and terrorist beheadings. |
The offences were alleged to have been carried out between 1 March 2003 and 13 April last year. | The offences were alleged to have been carried out between 1 March 2003 and 13 April last year. |
Siddique had been under covert surveillance by the security services for several months when he was detained at Glasgow Airport as he was about to board a flight to Lahore in Pakistan with his uncle. | |
Lord Carloway said that the items found in his possession indicated he had close links with those who promoted al Qaeda. | |
'Challenging inquiry' | 'Challenging inquiry' |
He added: "The jury were well entitled to the view on the evidence that you were planning to play some part in an act of terrorism, perhaps as a suicide bomber, and that you had the material in your possession for that purpose, either for your own encouragement and assistance or to encourage or assist others." | He added: "The jury were well entitled to the view on the evidence that you were planning to play some part in an act of terrorism, perhaps as a suicide bomber, and that you had the material in your possession for that purpose, either for your own encouragement and assistance or to encourage or assist others." |
The judge acknowledged that despite his crimes, Siddique had been in custody for more than a year before being brought to trial. | The judge acknowledged that despite his crimes, Siddique had been in custody for more than a year before being brought to trial. |
He said: "I note that the delay appears to have been caused by repeated applications by the defence for continuations to allow further defence preparation. | He said: "I note that the delay appears to have been caused by repeated applications by the defence for continuations to allow further defence preparation. |
"Nevertheless, this court does not regard this period as acceptable in a modern judicial system." | "Nevertheless, this court does not regard this period as acceptable in a modern judicial system." |
Lord Carloway sentenced Siddique at the High Court in Edinburgh | |
Siddique's eight-year sentence will be back-dated to 13 April 2006 when he was arrested. | Siddique's eight-year sentence will be back-dated to 13 April 2006 when he was arrested. |
The investigation into Siddique's crimes was led by Central Scotland Police. | The investigation into Siddique's crimes was led by Central Scotland Police. |
Assistant Chief Constable Maureen Brown said the force would not comment directly on the sentence handed down. | Assistant Chief Constable Maureen Brown said the force would not comment directly on the sentence handed down. |
She said: "Mohammed Atif Siddique was found guilty by a jury of serious criminal charges which were the result of what was a complex and challenging inquiry for Central Scotland Police. | She said: "Mohammed Atif Siddique was found guilty by a jury of serious criminal charges which were the result of what was a complex and challenging inquiry for Central Scotland Police. |
"This continues to be a challenging period for our communities but we have a strong record in Central Scotland of working with all members of the public regardless of race or religion to ensure public safety and confidence is maintained." | "This continues to be a challenging period for our communities but we have a strong record in Central Scotland of working with all members of the public regardless of race or religion to ensure public safety and confidence is maintained." |
'Vague legislation' | |
After the sentencing, Siddique's older brother, Asif, said: "Today Atif Siddique has been sentenced under controversial and vague terror legislation for looking for answers on the internet. | |
"This is not a case regarding one individual, it's a show case, an example being made to show other Muslims, and to show the muscle of the legal system to an innocent but stupid young man. | |
"Atif is no terrorist, no threat to no-one. He is innocent of the charges and did not receive a fair trial." | |
He said his brother had been a victim of a miscarriage of justice. | |
Solicitor Aamer Anwar confirmed an appeal would be lodged against the conviction. | |
He said: "We've met with Atif Siddique and he wishes me to say as his solicitor that he maintains he's innocent and we will be marking an appeal on his behalf." |