Bomb accused's father apologises

Dr Abdulla denies trying to kill or injure anyone through car bomb attacks

The father of an Iraqi NHS doctor accused of leading a car bombing campaign has written a letter of apology to the British public.

Professor Talal Abdulla said the arrest of his son Bilal for alleged attacks in London and Glasgow had "blackened" his family name, a court heard.

His letter said: "I am deeply sorry and apologise to the British public."

Dr Bilal Abdulla denies conspiracies to murder and cause explosions over failed June 2007 bombings.

London's Woolwich Crown Court heard a statement by Professor Abdulla, 57, who lives as a refugee with his wife and daughters in Amman, Jordan.

When I heard Bilal had been arrested and what he had done it was as if the sky fell on me and the family Professor Talal Abdulla

The rheumatologist and rehabilitation expert's statement said: "I am deeply sorry and apologise to the British public and authorities for any distress caused.

"When I heard Bilal had been arrested... it was as if the sky fell on me and the family. We were shocked. We still have not recovered from this.

"I believe in Islam, the religion of love and tolerance. I am against violence and extremism.

"I do not make any distinction between people on the basis of race and religion and have brought my children up in this way.

Life's purpose

"I am a healer by profession. This is the purpose of my life. I wanted my children to do something and be productive and beneficial members of society."

Earlier the court was told that Dr Bilal Abdulla, 29, from Paisley and Dr Mohammed Asha, 28, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, were arrested after two Mercedes cars were found parked in central London in June 2007.

The jury heard claims that the two men, who worked as doctors in hospitals in Glasgow and Staffordshire, were part of a cell of Islamic extremists who intended to use mobile phone detonators to ignite gas cylinders in the cars and kill dozens of late-night revellers.

The devices failed to go off because of faulty detonators, the jury heard.

The following day, engineering student Kafeel Ahmed, 28, drove a jeep into a terminal building at Glasgow airport. He later died from burns. Dr Abdulla is alleged to have been a passenger in that vehicle.

Dr Abdulla and Dr Asha deny all charges.

The trial continues.