Al Qaeda-linked terrorist who plotted to blow up British shopping center and Ministry of Sound nightclub loses bid for parole

AN EXTREMIST who plotted to blow up a shopping center and nightclub lost a freedom bid today.

Salahuddin Amin – part of a five-man gang who planned attacks on Bluewater Knows and London's Ministry of Sound – his parole application was rejected.

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Their plot to fertilizer-based bombs on high-profile targets would have caused a massacre, but that's what it was destroyed by MI5.

Last year there was anger when it emerged that 49-year-old Amin and fellow plotter Jawad Akbar had been granted early release.

The five-member gang – which also included Omar Khyam, Anthony Garcia and Waheed Mahmood – had that close ties with the 7/7 terrorists and also planned a radioactive 'dirty bomb'.

Security sources believe the attacks could have killed hundreds of innocent people.

Amin was considered an important link between British extremists and the Al Qaeda network by experts.

He was found guilty of conspiracy to cause explosions between January 1, 2003 and March 31, 2004.

Amin, from Luton, was jailed for life in 2007, with a minimum term of seventeen and a half years.

During their trial, the Old Bailey heard that the gang's list of potential targets also included the gas and electricity network and parliament during Prime Minister's Questions.

Last August, The Sun told how the five gang members had fared cost the public purse £8.8 million in legal aid.

Amin argued that he no longer posed a danger to society but was denied parole – and a move to open up jail.

Jawad Akbar was also held in jail following a hearing last August.

A Parole Board spokesperson said: “We can confirm that a Parole Board panel has refused Salahuddin Amin's release following an oral hearing.

“The panel also refused to make a proposal to open the prison.

“Decisions made by the Parole Board focus solely on the risk an inmate might represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.

“A panel will carefully examine a large number of pieces of evidence, including details of the original crimeand any evidence of change in behaviour, and examines the harm caused and the impact the crime has had on the victims.

“During the hearing, evidence may be provided from witnesses such as probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison and personal statements from the victim.

“It is standard practice for the prisoner and witnesses to be questioned at length during the hearing, which often lasts a full day or more.

“A parole review is conducted thoroughly and with the utmost care. Protecting the public is our first priority.”

“Under current legislation, he is eligible for additional benefits judgement in due course.

“The date of the next one assessment will be set by the Department of Justice.”

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