Two men from Wigan accused of preparing ISIS-inspired machine gun attack on Jewish targets will face trial next year after being arrested in undercover sting operation
Two men from Greater Manchester will face trial next year accused of preparing to carry out an ISIS-inspired machinegun attack on Jewish targets and members of law enforcement and the military.
Walid Saadaoui, 36, from Abram, near Wigan, allegedly agreed to pay an undercover officer for four machineguns and a handgun, together with 1,200 rounds of ammunition and arranged a safehouse for their storage.
He travelled to Dover in March with Amar Hussein, 50, 'with the aim of conducting reconnaissance of the port security' where the weapons were to be imported.
Saadaoui was arrested on the evening of May 8 as he prepared to take receipt of the weapons and Hussein arrested at a separate location. Both men are charged with preparation of terrorist acts.
They appeared at the Old Bailey by video link from Wormwood Scrubs prison wearing grey prison issue tracksuits alongside Saadaoui's younger brother, Bilel, 35, from Hindley near Wigan who was arrested at a gym on May 8.
Walid Saadaoui, 36, from Abram, near Wigan, allegedly agreed to pay an undercover officer for four machineguns and a handgun, together with 1,200 rounds of ammunition and arranged a safehouse for their storage
A police officer is seen standing guard outside a house in Wigan after the anti-terror raids
Bilal Saadaoui is charged with failure to disclose information about an act of terrorism after allegedly taking receipt of Saadaoui's will and the key to a safe containing £75,000.
The brothers are both from Tunisia and have leave to remain in the UK.
Hussein is also from Tunisia and had an interpreter during the hearing but spoke to the court in English. He was not legally represented at the hearing.
Police are seen outside a house in Hindley, Greater Manchester, following a series of raids
Saadaoui's younger brother, Bilel, 35, (pictured) from Hindley near Wigan who was arrested at a gym on May 8
The judge, Mr Justice Jeremy Baker, told Hussein: 'At the moment you don't have a lawyer, is that correct? I imagine you would like to have a lawyer represent you at trial.'
Hussein told the judge: 'I don't need a solicitor. I protect myself.'
The other men spoke only to confirm their names and dates of birth. All three were remanded in custody.
A trial date was set for October 7 2025 at Preston Crown Court with a 12 week time estimate.
A plea and trial preparation hearing is to take place on December 20 at the Old Bailey and a further hearing on October 25 to consider custody time limits.
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