Terror bomb plotters freed after 17 years

Duo paroled despite 'no release' warning

- TOM PETTIFOR

API RESPONSE

TWO extremists who plotted a bombing campaign across the UK have been freed despite having been warned they could spend the rest of their lives behind bars.

Waheed Mahmood and Anthony Garcia were among five men jailed for life in April 2007 after they were found guilty of a conspiracy to kill hundreds of people with fertiliser-based explosions.

Potential targets of the al-Qaeda linked gang included the Bluewater shopping centre in Kent, London's Ministry of Sound nightclub and gas and electricity supply stations.

Mahmood, 52, was freed in September after being cleared for release by the Parole Board.

He launched a High Court challenge against an application by the Met Police to make him the subject of a Serious Crime Prevention Order.