Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Manchester Terror Plotters Held at Category B Prison Pending Sentencing

Both men are held at Category B HMP Preston on a standard regime pending a February 13 sentencing.

Overview

  • Walid Saadaoui, 38, and Amar Hussein, 52, were convicted last week of preparing terrorist acts linked to an Islamic State‑inspired plan targeting Greater Manchester’s Jewish community.
  • Reports say they are on a standard regime at HMP Preston that allows phone calls, TV/DVD access, gym use and a £20 weekly canteen spend.
  • Media criticism has focused on their placement in a medium‑security jail, while the Ministry of Justice declines to comment on specific prisoner locations and notes categorisation is based on risk assessment.
  • The plot was foiled by an undercover operative who arranged a handover of deactivated weapons, and Saadaoui was arrested on May 8, 2024, when he tried to collect what he believed were rifles.
  • Sentencing is set for February 13, 2026, for Saadaoui, Hussein and Saadaoui’s brother Bilel, who was convicted of failing to disclose information.