Terrorist who planned attack on Luton army centre to be freed from prison
A terrorist who was inspired by al-Qaeda to plot a bomb attack on a Luton Territorial Army centre using a toy car can be released from prison after a parole hearing.
Zahid Iqbal, now aged 43, and from Bishopscote Road, was jailed in 2013 for more than 16 years for his role in the plans – with sentencing judge Mr Justice Wilkie ordering: “An extended sentence of 16 years 3 months comprising a custodial element of 11 years 3 months and an extended licence period of 5 years.”
But in January, the Parole Board ruled he should be released three years earlier than his extended sentence.
Iqbal was overheard by security services suggesting driving a toy car carrying explosives under the gates of the territorial army base in Marsh Road.
Intelligence officers had bugged the cars of Iqbal and his co-conspirator Mohammed Sharfaraz Ahmed, and during one conversation, Iqbal was heard telling Ahmed: "At the bottom of the gate, there’s quite a big gap. If you had a little toy car, it drives underneath one of their vehicles or something."
Iqbal was jailed for 16 years and three months in 2013 for his part in the plot – but now the parole board has decided to release Iqbal after “an oral hearing”.
A spokesperson for the Parole Board explained that its “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.”
They said: “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.
“Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing.”
Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Philip MP slammed the decision. He and Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy MP have written to Deputy Prime Minister and current Justice Secretary David Lammy, urging him to veto the Parole Board decision.
The letter read: “We are deeply concerned about this decision especially as both his prison offender manager and community offender manager said he should stay in prison.
“He was already released in 2021 on the direction of the Parole Board but had to be recalled in 2023.
“Under the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, the Justice Secretary has the power to veto recommendations to release criminals, including terrorists. We urge you to use this power to keep this dangerous criminal behind bars.”
The board reiterated that reviews are “undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care” and that public protection is its first priority.
They added: "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.”