Hamza given go-ahead to appeal convictions in UK

Radical Islamic cleric Abu Hamza was given the go-ahead today to challenge his convictions for incitement to murder and race-hate offences.

Three judges in London allowed his application for leave to appeal.

Hamza, who was jailed for seven years in February, was not present for the Court of Appeal hearing before Sir Igor Judge, Mr Justice Gray and Mr Justice McCombe.

Hamza, 48, was convicted by an Old Bailey jury of 11 of the 15 charges he faced.

During his month-long trial, the prosecution alleged Hamza was a recruiting sergeant for global terrorism.

The court announced its decision after submissions were made on Hamza’s behalf by Edward Fitzgerald QC, who said the long delay in bringing a prosecution against Hamza had made it “impossible” for him to have a fair trial.

Giving the court’s conclusion, Sir Igor said: “We do not wish to raise any false optimism in the applicant but in our judgment there are a number of grounds drawn to our attention which are arguable.”

A full hearing will be heard at a later date to be fixed.