First man convicted for 'directing terror'

THE FIRST person to be convicted in Britain of directing terrorism was jailed today for a minimum of 10 years.

Rangzieb Ahmed, 33, headed a three-man al Qaeda cell preparing to commit mass murder, a court heard.

The Rochdale-born Muslim was also found guilty of al Qaeda membership, along with his associate, taxi driver Habib Ahmed.

Habib Ahmed, 29, was sentenced at Manchester crown court to a total of 10 years in prison - nine for being a member of the terror group and a further year for possessing a document for terror-related purposes. Handing Rangzieb Ahmed a life sentence, Mr Justice Saunders said: "The prosecution case accepted by the jury was that you were not one of the leaders, but a recruiter and organiser of smaller terrorist cells throughout the world to work for al Qaeda.

"You were a not insignificant member of al Qaeda - a terror group prepared to kill and maim innocent people indiscriminately to achieve its aims.

"I am satisfied you are dedicated to the cause of Islamic terrorism."

The judge ruled he should serve at least 10 years before being considered for parole.