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-england-manchester-27540945
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Police fail to seize terror inmate Munir Farooqi's home | Police fail to seize terror inmate Munir Farooqi's home |
(about 3 hours later) | |
A judge has ruled that the £200,000 family home of a man convicted of terrorism offences cannot be seized as a criminal asset. | A judge has ruled that the £200,000 family home of a man convicted of terrorism offences cannot be seized as a criminal asset. |
Munir Farooqi was given four life sentences in 2011 after he tried to recruit two undercover police officers for jihad in Afghanistan. | Munir Farooqi was given four life sentences in 2011 after he tried to recruit two undercover police officers for jihad in Afghanistan. |
His trial heard he used the family home for meetings to radicalise recruits. | His trial heard he used the family home for meetings to radicalise recruits. |
But a judge at Manchester Crown Court said seizing the home would harm Farooqi's family. | But a judge at Manchester Crown Court said seizing the home would harm Farooqi's family. |
The house is estimated to be worth about £200,000 and is registered in the name of Farooqi's wife and daughter. | The house is estimated to be worth about £200,000 and is registered in the name of Farooqi's wife and daughter. |
Greater Manchester Police wanted to seize the property under a clause of the Terrorism Act 2000. | Greater Manchester Police wanted to seize the property under a clause of the Terrorism Act 2000. |
'Right to family life' | 'Right to family life' |
Seven members of Farooqi's family, from three generations, still live in the house and claimed the application was a breach of their right to family life. | Seven members of Farooqi's family, from three generations, still live in the house and claimed the application was a breach of their right to family life. |
On Friday, Deputy High Court Judge Richard Henriques agreed. | On Friday, Deputy High Court Judge Richard Henriques agreed. |
He said he was satisfied Farooqi had control of the house at time of his offences, but that his family did not know of his terrorist activities. | He said he was satisfied Farooqi had control of the house at time of his offences, but that his family did not know of his terrorist activities. |
He said seizing the home would adversely affect the family, rendering six innocent adults and two children homeless. | He said seizing the home would adversely affect the family, rendering six innocent adults and two children homeless. |
The judge also ruled that Farooqi, of Longsight, Manchester, must pay £500,000 towards the costs of his trial. | |
It is understood any cash recovered would go to the Treasury, not Greater Manchester Police. | It is understood any cash recovered would go to the Treasury, not Greater Manchester Police. |
Had the force's application been successful, it would have been the first time a family home had been seized as a terrorist asset. | Had the force's application been successful, it would have been the first time a family home had been seized as a terrorist asset. |
'Proportionate response' | |
After the hearing Farooqi's son, Harris Farooqi, said: "Over 50,000 people signed a petition to help save our family home. | |
"This has not only been an emotional struggle, but a financial one as well. On behalf of my family, we would like to thank all our friends, supporters and legal teams." | |
Det Supt Julian Richardson said Farooqi's crimes had all taken place at the family home and had "threatened the lives of coalition forces overseas." | |
He added: "The ruling demonstrates a proportionate response to the evidence placed before the court. | |
"The £500,000 costs order should draw to a conclusion this protracted and complex investigation into the most serious offences." |
Previous version
1
Next version