Abu Bakr Mansha

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On 22 December 2005 Abu Bakr Mansha, 21, of Thamesmead was convicted in a jury trial under the Terrorism Act 2000 of possessing information "likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism". A police raid on his flat had found a blank-firing gun, which someone was trying to convert to fire live rounds, as well as DVDs containing "virulent anti-Western propaganda" relating to Osama bin Laden and the allied attack on the Iraqi city of Fallujah.

Also in his possession was a copy of a Sun newspaper article about Corporal Mark Byles, decorated British soldier,[1], as well as a piece of paper with the soldier's former address whom he was alleged to have been planning to hunt down and kill.[2]

During his trial his defence barrister described him as an "utter incompetent"[3] with an IQ of 69.[4] He was sentenced to six years in jail on 26 January 2006 in Southwark crown court by Judge Loraine-Smith.[5]

In June 2006 there was a report alleging that he provided the tip-off from prison that triggered the 2 June 2006 Forest Gate raid,[6] however his lawyer, Sara O'Keefe, denied he was responsible, although she confirmed that police had visited her client in prison and that he knew the two brothers involved.[7]

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Man convicted under Terrorism Act", BBC News, 22 December 2005. Retrieved on 2006-10-12. 
  2. ^ Gardham, Duncan. "Muslim planned revenge attack on hero soldier", 23 December]] 2005. Retrieved on 2006-10-12. 
  3. ^ "Terror raid intelligence denial", BBC News, 24 June 2006. Retrieved on 2006-10-12. 
  4. ^ Spyblog (18 June 2006). Abu Bakr Mansha (IQ 69) is claimed to be the "reliable intelligence source" behind the bungled Operation Volga raid in Forest Gate. Retrieved on 2006-10-12.
  5. ^ Adfero Ltd. (26 January 2006). Muslim jailed for targeting soldier. Retrieved on 2006-10-12.
  6. ^ Boniface, Susie. "Was MI6 Trigger for Bungled Terror Swoop a Prisoner with I.Q. of 69", The Mirror, 18 June 2006. Retrieved on 2006-10-12. 
  7. ^ "Terror raid intelligence denial", 24 June 2006. Retrieved on 2006-10-12.