Terror accused 'wanted bank loan'

Prosecutors say CCTV shows Dr Abdulla with a car used in one incident

A doctor accused of plotting terror attacks at Glasgow airport and London considered getting a bank loan to fund the car bombings, a jury has heard.

Bilal Abdulla, 29, also looked at using credit cards and a tax-free savings account, Woolwich Crown Court was told.

Prosecutors said he discussed financing options with engineering student Kafeel Ahmed, 28, who has since died.

Dr Abdulla, and Dr Mohammed Asha, 27, deny conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to cause explosions.

Mr Ahmed died from burns after driving a Jeep Cherokee carrying gas canisters and petrol into the main terminal building at Glasgow Airport on 30 June last year, the jury heard.

Dr Abdulla, from Paisley, was said to be a passenger in the vehicle, while Dr Asha is alleged to have been involved in the planning of the attacks.

According to Jonathan Laidlaw QC, Dr Abdulla, using an internet messaging service, asked Mr Ahmed: "Is it possible to get a loan from the bank to fund the project?"

He also said he needed a credit card, the prosecutor added.

Dr Abdulla and Dr Asha deny the charges against them

Mr Ahmed replied: "I told you the approximate costing in it," the court was told.

The court also heard that Dr Asha, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, had asked a friend for the return of a loan of £1,000 on 26 May, a month before the attacks.

It is alleged that Mr Ahmed and Dr Abdulla travelled to London on 19 May and 20 May to identify possible sites for the planned bombings.

It is claimed that two car bombs were left in London's West End by the pair, but that mobile phone detonators failed to work when the detonation was attempted in the early hours of 29 June.

Mr Laidlaw told the court the three men purchased five different cars early in June.

The Mercedes, left near Haymarket in London, was bought on 6 June in Sheffield, while another, formerly owned by a policeman, was abandoned at Liverpool's John Lennon Airport.

The trial was adjourned until Wednesday.