Jury sent out in Rochdale terrorist trial

An alleged terrorist and director of al-Qaeda from Rochdale is a step closer to learning his fate as the jury at his trial was expected to be sent out this afternoon (Wednesday 10 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.’

Today's court session finishes at 1.30pm and the trial will re-open tomorrow morning

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.