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

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

Salahuddin Amin - part of a five-strong gang who planned attacks at Bluewater in Kent and London’s Ministry of Sound – had his parole request turned down.

Their plot to plant fertiliser-based bombs at high-profile targets would have wrought carnage but was smashed by MI5.

There was fury last year when it emerged that Amin, 49, and fellow plotter Jawad Akbar had been granted parole hearings.

The five-strong gang – also including Omar Khyam, Anthony Garcia and Waheed Mahmood – had close links to 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 a key link between British extremists and the Al Qaeda network by experts.

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

Amin, of Luton, was jailed for life in 2007, with a minimum term of 17-and-a-half years.

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

The Sun told last August how the five gang members had cost the public purse £8.8 million in Legal Aid.

Amin argued he was no longer a danger to society but was refused parole – and a move to an open prison.

Jawad Akbar was also kept in jail after a hearing last August.

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

"The panel also refused to recommend a move to open prison.

“Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.

“A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims.

“Evidence from witnesses such as probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements may be given at the hearing.

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

"Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.”

“Under current legislation he will be eligible for a further review in due course.

"The date of the next review will be set by the Ministry of Justice.”