Overview

• Prosecutors told jurors that Walid Saadaoui was filmed fleeing counter-terrorism officers at a Bolton hotel car park on May 8, 2024, where two assault rifles, a semi-automatic pistol and nearly 200 rounds were found in a car.
• They said further deliveries were expected, including two more assault rifles, another pistol and additional ammunition, taking the cache to about six firearms with up to roughly 900 rounds.
• The Crown alleges the defendants aimed to identify a mass gathering of Jewish people in Greater Manchester for a gun attack and were prepared to kill police who intervened.
• Communications show the men believed they were coordinating with a third person called “Farouk,” who was actually an undercover operative whose involvement exposed the plan, the court heard.
• All three defendants have pleaded not guilty; the jury was sworn at Preston Crown Court before Mr Justice Mark Wall, who stressed the case is unrelated to last week’s Manchester synagogue attack, and the trial is expected to last up to 12 weeks.