MANCHESTER SYNAGOGUE ATTACKER'S ASSOCIATE JAILED FOR LIFE OVER TERROR PLOT

Mohammad Bashir, 31, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for plotting a terror attack on a UK defence installation. Bashir drove Jihad Al-Shamie to conduct hostile reconnaissance at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham, Swindon, on 14 August of the previous year. Al-Shamie was fatally shot by police on 2 October following a separate attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Manchester, where two men were killed. Bashir's conviction followed investigation into internet searches related to attack planning and discussions captured on camera regarding a terrorist attack.

According to Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, Bashir is a "dangerous individual with extremist views" who discussed preparing for "war". The pair disposed of their mobile phones in an attempt to prevent detection, though investigators recovered evidence of their planning activities. Bashir has been described as a "long-standing, committed jihadist" by those who knew him. The two men maintained contact and coordinated activities before Al-Shamie carried out the synagogue attack independently.

A security guard seriously injured during the synagogue attack has reported that the incident has had lasting effects on his wellbeing. The guard stated that "life changed forever that day" and disclosed difficulties managing the aftermath of the attack. The case demonstrates the connection between separate plots linked through personal relationships and shared ideological motivation.