British ‘Beatle’ terrorist given life sentence over murder of US hostages

A member of the so-called Islamic State terror cell known as The Beatles has been jailed for life after admitting his role in the murder of US hostages in Syria.

Alexanda Amon otey, 8, originally from Paddington, London, showed no emotion as judge Thomas Selby Ellis delivered his verdict at Alexandria District Court, Virginia, while members of his victims’ families watched on.

otey was given one life sentence for each of the eight counts he has pleaded guilty to, which are due to run concurrently.

udge Ellis described his actions as “egregious, violent and inhumane” but praised the victims and their family as “undeniably heroes”.

Speaking of the victim’s udge Ellis said: “These were not prisoners of war, these weren’t soldiers in the field ... they were soldiers for good.” The court heard 1 impact statements from members of the victims’ families including those of British humanitarians Alan Henning and David Haines.

“We have all witnessed (the) exceptionally moving, heart-rending statements of these victims’ families,” Ellis said, becoming audibly emotional himself following the statements.

“It should be a reminder of what we knew about the hostages.

“Countries celebrate heroes and we should celebrate these individuals who demonstrated courage, purpose and compassion under the most difficult of circumstances.

“The victims of the hostagetaking by Isis are undeniably heroes.” otey’s co-defendant, El Shafee Elsheikh, was also present for the victim impact statements at the court hearing ahead of his sentencing in August after being convicted of his role in the murder plot.

Among those reading statements were Haines’ wife Dragana, daughters Athea and Bethany, and his brother Mike Haines.

In an extraordinary demonstration of his rejection of hatred, Haines addressed

otey directly in court and forgave him.