Al Qaida-inspired terrorist who plotted Luton attack can be freed from jail - parole board
Zahid Iqbal admitted he planned to use a remote-controlled toy car to carry a homemade bomb under the gates of a Territorial Army centre in Luton
A British terrorist who plotted an al Qaida-inspired attack in Luton can be freed from prison, the Parole Board has decided.
Zahid Iqbal discussed sending a remote-controlled toy car carrying a home-made bomb under the gates of a Territorial Army (TA) centre.
He and fellow plotter Mohammed Sharfaraz Ahmed spoke about making an improvised explosive device using instructions in an al Qaida manual entitled Make A Bomb In The Kitchen Of Your Mom, by "the Al Qaida chef".
Covert recordings of the pair heard Iqbal suggesting attaching the bomb to a remote-controlled toy car and sending it under a gate.
Iqbal was recorded telling Ahmed: "I was looking and drove past like the TA centre, Marsh Road. At the bottom of their gate there's quite a big gap.
"If you had a little toy car it drives underneath one of their vehicles or something."
The men were arrested following a series of raids at their homes and were jailed for 16 years in 2013 after they admitted one count each of engaging in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism.
Sentencing judge Mr Justice Wilkie said the pair would have to serve at least 11 years and three months.
At the end of January, the Parole Board ruled Iqbal should be released - three years earlier than his maximum sentence.
A spokesperson for the Parole Board said: "We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board has directed the release of Zahid Iqbal following an oral hearing.
"Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.
"A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims.
"Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing.
"Evidence from witnesses such as probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements may be given at the hearing.
"It is standard for the prisoner and witnesses to be questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more.
"Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority."
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp has written to the Justice Secretary urging him to veto the Parole Board's decision.
"We all know the threat posed by Islamist extremism in this country," Mr Philp said.
"That is why the Government must veto the decision to release Zahid Iqbal and keep him behind bars."