Jury out in terror plot trial

The jury in the trial of an Oldham woman accused of four terrorism charges has retired to consider its verdict.

Shasta Khan (38) pleads not guilty at Manchester Crown Court to preparing for acts of terrorism and three counts of possessing information useful in terrorism. She claimed offences were entirely her husband’s responsibility

Her husband, Sajid Khan (33), pleaded guilty to terrorism offences at an earlier hearing.

Police called to a house in Waterhead last July found chemicals and instruments that could be used to make an improvised bomb and literature that promoted extremist behaviour. It is thought the pair were planning to carry out terrorism acts in a predominantly Jewish area of Prestwich.

Mrs Khan admitted buying chemicals, but under the instruction of her husband — whom she claims had physically and sexually assaulted her in the past.

Before sending the jury out, Mr Justice Wilkie said: “The prosecution says Shasta Khan was aware of her husband’s activities and Jihad motivation and jointly participated. The defence says she is the most unlikely Jihad warrior; a Westernised person who is not religious in any way.

“You should consider whether you are sure she actually committed any of the relevant acts, and was her intention to assist in a proportion of this terrorism”

The jury continued its deliberations today.


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