'Revenge' terrorist jailed for four and a half years

By Rich Bowden, M&C Staff Writer Jan 9, 2008, 7:40 GMT

(M&C) - A man detained at Heathrow airport who was planning on carrying out a mission of "revenge" in Afghanistan has been jailed for four-and-a-half years.

Sohail Qureshi, a 29-year-old dental assistant, had said he intended to "kill many" on his mission an Old Bailey court heard. Scotland Yard's anti-terror chief said he believed Qureshi was on his way to Afghanistan to kill British soldiers.

A message posted by the 29-year-old on an Islamic website which was intercepted by police proclaimed, "Pray that I kill many, brother. Revenge, revenge, revenge."

Counsel prosecuting for the Crown, Jonathan Sharp, said Qureshi was carrying £9,000 in cash, medical supplies, night sights and a computer disc containing the Poisoner's Handbook when arrested by police in October 2006.

Mr Sharp told the court: "Sohail Qureshi is a dedicated supporter of Islamist extremism."

The accused pleaded guilty to the charge of preparing for terrorism, the first time anyone has been prosecuted since it became an offence under the Terrorism Act of 2006.

Qureshi was born in Pakistan, but grew up in Saudi Arabia and spent seven years living in Russia.