An associate of the man who attacked the Heaton Park synagogue has pleaded guilty to terrorism offences at the Old Bailey in London today
Mohammad Bashir, 31 of Shaftesbury Road, Cheetham Hill,admitted to helping the Manchester synagogue attacker by driving him to a UK defense site for a test run before the October attack in which he killed two people before being shot dead by police
Worshippers Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby were killed after 35-year-old Al-Shamie, a Syrian-born UK citizen, drove his Kia Picanto into the gates of the synagogue and then began attacking with a knife, wearing a fake suicide belt.
The pair were seen on CCTV prior to the trip discussing criteria for potential targets to attack. They were then seen on ANPR making the journey to the site, with Bashir acting as the driver for most of the journey.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, who holds operational responsibility for Counter Terrorism Policing North West, said: “From the outset of our investigation into the tragic events at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, we have been unwavering in our commitment to establishing the full circumstances behind what happened.
“Our comprehensive enquiries led to the offending of Mohammed Bashir coming to light. Although not directly linked to the synagogue attack, the fact he conducted hostile reconnaissance alongside a man who would later commit a terrorist attack show the seriousness of his actions.
“We welcome today’s guilty plea and look ahead to the sentencing which is due to take place in July.
“This case will understandably prompt public commentary about the terrorist attack that took place last October. My thoughts today are with all those affected, particularly the loved ones of those whose lives were taken and those who were seriously injured.”
