Jailed terrorist freed early ahead of bid to tighten law
A CONVICTED terrorist who was described as a danger to the public has been released from prison early ahead of tough new laws expected to change the rules.
Jamshed Javeed, a former chemistry teacher, was jailed for six years in
March 2015 after he was found guilty of trying to travel to Syria to join Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil).
Despite being handed an extended sentence, he was cleared for release last year and was recently let out of prison, it has emerged.
The Government is seeking to introduce emergency legislation to prevent the automatic early release of convicted terrorists.
The move follows the attacks by Usman Khan in November and Sudesh Amman last Sunday. Both men had previously been jailed for terror offences and then let out of prison early. Javeed, whose wife was pregnant, attempted to join Isil in 2013 after helping his younger brother travel to Syria.
He was arrested hours before he was due to leave the UK, and police later found he had been researching Abu Hamza and Abu Qatada, the radical clerics.
Handing him an extended sentence of nine years, six of which were to be served behind bars, Judge Michael Topolski QC said he was convinced he “posed a danger to the public in the UK and abroad”.
The judge said Javeed remained “adherent to a violent jihadist mindset”, adding: “You are … an individual whose potential danger to the public in this country or abroad is clear.”
The Parole Board said his case was “concluded” in June last year and he has since been released.
The recent attacks by released terrorists has prompted the Government to tighten up sentencing, with a target of Feb 27 set to rush the Bill through Parliament.
It is understood Mohammed Zahir Khan, a Sunderland shopkeeper, is due to be released on Feb 28, while around five other terrorists are expected to be let out in March unless the new law is in force. As many as 50 terrorists could be free this year, figures suggest.