Update: Alleged Rochdale terrorist moves closer to learning his fate

An alleged terrorist and director of al-Qaeda from Rochdale is a step closer to learning his fate as the prosecution sum up today and tomorrow (Tuesday 2 December/Wednesday 3 December).

Habib Ahmed, aged 28, from Cheetham Hill is accused of assisting Rochdale-born Rangzieb Ahmed, aged 33, of Barnston Avenue, Fallowfield, during his travels to Dubai on ‘important al-Qaeda business.’

Manchester Crown Court previously heard that the men were en route to a "major activity" in South Africa when the unknown foreign mission was aborted after the sudden death of al-Qaeda's number three in December 2005.

Rangzieb Ahmed is the first person to be brought to the UK to be tried for directing terrorism. He denies the charge.

Rangzeib Ahmed is no relation to Habib Ahmed.

Andrew Edis QC is currently summing up the prosecution case at Manchester Crown Court, which is thought to last until tomorrow morning.

There will then be a short closing speech in defence of Rangzieb Ahmed. According to Greater Manchester Police, defence speeches for Habib Ahmed and Mehreen Haji will then last one day each.

The judge will then begin his summing up of the case.