Abu Hamza jailed for life in US on terror charges

Islamic cleric Abu Hamza has been sentenced to life in prison for plots to kidnap tourists in Yemen in 1998 and build a terrorist training camp in Oregon.

Hamza was sentenced in Manhattan after his conviction last May.

The 56-year-old cleric’s lawyers asked Judge Katherine Forrest to take into account that their client is missing hands and forearms and has other ailments.

He was extradited from Great Britain to face the charges.

The government said he earned life in prison by helping terrorists around the globe. Four tourists were killed in the 1998 Yemen kidnapping.

Commander Richard Walton, head of the Counter Terrorism Command, welcomed the sentence.

He said: “There will be great relief in the country that Abu Hamza has been convicted of such serious terrorist offences.

“We have worked closely with the FBI and US Department of Justice to achieve this result. The case underlines the importance of our co-operation with the FBI in tackling global terrorist threats.”

The Met’s Counter Terrorism unit said it was determined Hamza could not be prosecuted in the UK, and was extradited to the US. British detectives provided the FBI with a high volume of exhibits and case papers and assisted with the US prosecution.