Overview
- Walid Saadaoui told jurors he posted ISIS content under threat from an alleged mujahideen contact and that he intended to disable the guns before calling police.
- Prosecutors say he aimed to kill Jewish people at gatherings in North Manchester and Prestwich after arranging firearms through contacts he believed were extremists.
- He was arrested on May 8, 2024, in the Last Drop hotel car park near Bolton as undercover officers delivered two assault rifles, a pistol and almost 200 rounds.
- The Crown alleges he sold The Albatross restaurant in Great Yarmouth, withdrew large sums in cash and sought four AK‑47s, two handguns and 1,200 rounds, while running multiple Facebook accounts that reposted ISIS material and lone‑wolf guidance.
- In questioning, the court heard that the man he cites as his handler was reported dead in 2021; Saadaoui maintains he was still being tested by that figure and thought the undercover operative was ISIS, with the trial continuing next week.