Terror jury sent home for weekend

Terror jury sent home for weekend

The trial lasted eight weeks at Leicester Crown Court

A jury in the trial of two Algerian immigrants accused of plotting to raise money for terrorism has been sent home for the weekend.

The jury at Leicester Crown Court has been deliberating in the case of Brahim Benmerzouga and Baghdad Meziane since Tuesday.

The two men are accused of planning to make money, equipment and propaganda material available to Islamic extremists.

Both men deny the charge of "entering into a funding arrangement for the purposes of terrorism".

Entered Britain illegally

Mr Benmerzouga, 31, and Mr Meziane, 38, were also allegedly part of an international credit card fraud scam aimed at raising funds for terrorist organisations such as al Qaeda.

The pair had both entered Britain illegally and were living in Leicester, the court heard.

Mr Benmerzouga has admitted one charge of conspiracy to defraud by manufacturing and/or using false bank cards and account details, as well as three charges of possessing false passports.

Mr Meziane, who was seeking asylum in Britain, denies conspiracy to defraud but pleaded guilty to possessing one false passport in the name of Cyril Jacob.

The case has taken eight weeks. The jury will continue its deliberations on Monday.