A terrorist who confessed to being one of the masterminds behind both 9/11 and the 7/7 bombings could be released onto Britain's streets in a matter of days.
Haroon Aswat, 50, is currently being housed at a secure psychiatric unit in the UK - but may be freed without a full risk assessment due to a loophole preventing him from undergoing certain checks.
The Yorkshire-born terrorist was sentenced to 20 years in prison in October 2015 by a New York court for conspiring to set up a terrorist training camp in the US with hate preacher Abu Hamza.
He was deported back to the UK in 2022, where he had his sentenced slashed to just seven years after spending time at Broadmoor Hospital.
The Yorkshire-born terrorist was sentenced to 20 years in prison in October 2015 by a New York court for conspiring to set up a terrorist training camp
|REUTERS
Aswat confessed to his role in plotting the 9/11 attack and 7/7 bombings whilst behind bars in America.
A document from the US District Court, unearthed by The Sun, read: "He is a terrorist and foot soldier of al-Qaeda trained to commit acts of violence.
“In 2017 he told staff he was associated with al-Qaeda, Osama bin Laden was his 'commander' and that he would 'behead all of you'.
"His comments while in prison and his numerous disciplinary violations indicate he still supports al-Qaeda and remains dangerous.
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Aswat confessed to his role in plotting the 9/11 attack and 7/7 bombings whilst behind bars
|PA
Aswat is currently held at Bethlem Royal Hospital in London - Bedlam - under the Mental Health Act, where doctors said that he is well enough to be released in the "relatively near future".
Psychiatrist Dr Richard Taylor noted in a 2022 report that Aswat still posed a major threat to the public.
Taylor's report noted that Aswat “continued to express violent extremist Islamic ideology” despite being in a stable mental state.
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said: "This despicable man was behind one of the most deadly attacks in modern history. He should never experience freedom again."
In April, several police officers raised concerns about Aswat to the High Court.
Detective Sergeant David Taylor said: "I assess the defendant has a significant involvement within Islamist extremism, involvement in terrorism and a long-standing association with others holding radical beliefs.
"I believe the defendant’s US conviction, historic involvement with Islamist extremist groups and previously reported mindset alongside his vulnerable and fragile mental health do pose a potential risk to the security of the UK."
Detective Inspector Karen Bradley said that she believed Aswat "still poses a potential terrorist risk".
High Court judge Justice Jay confirmed that the 50-year-old had not undergone any formal terrorist risk assessment since being deported back to the UK.
If released, Aswat will not be under surveillance and is permitted to travel abroad if he informs police in advance.
A Government spokesman said: "Protecting our national security is the very first priority of this Government and if any individual poses a threat to that security, the police and intelligence services have a range of powers they can apply to deal with that threat.
"We will always do whatever is necessary inside the law to protect the public from any risk posed by former terrorist offenders or people of terrorist concern."