Two men convicted of plotting to bomb Bluewater shopping centre and other high-profile UK targets have been released from prison after serving part of their life sentences. Waheed Mahmood, 52, and Anthony Garcia, were members of an al-Qaeda-linked group that aimed to kill hundreds with fertiliser-based explosives.
Plot to Attack Bluewater and Ministry of Sound
The pair, along with ringleader Omar Khyam, were convicted in April 2007 in one of the UK’s largest terrorism trials. Their targets included Bluewater shopping centre in Greenhithe and London’s Ministry of Sound nightclub. The group was thwarted by MI5 before they could carry out their deadly plans.
Mahmood, a former British Gas boiler engineer from Crawley, and Garcia were part of a group accused of betraying the country that had provided them opportunities, as noted by the trial judge, Sir Michael Astill. During sentencing, the judge stated: “All of you may never be released. It is not a foregone conclusion.”
Parole Board Decision
Mahmood was released from prison in September after a Parole Board panel cleared him for release. Garcia, whose release was also recently approved, has been subjected to strict monitoring conditions. A Parole Board spokesperson confirmed:
“Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.”
Mahmood and Garcia are now subject to strict licence conditions, including surrendering passports, wearing GPS tags, undergoing lie detector tests, observing curfews, and regular check-ins with the police.
High Court Application and Monitoring
The Metropolitan Police have applied for a Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO) against Mahmood to further restrict his movements, contacts, and financial activities. These measures aim to prevent reoffending and ensure public safety.
Mahmood’s Role in the Plot
Mahmood played a leading role in the plot, sending recruits abroad for jihad training and praising acts of terror, including the 2004 Madrid bombings, which killed 191 people. He was overheard calling the attacks:
“Spain was a beautiful job, weren’t it? Absolutely beautiful, man, so much impact.”
He also discussed potential attacks on Bluewater and suggested poisoning food sold from a burger van to kill civilians.
Reaction and Public Concern
The releases have sparked renewed attention on the effectiveness of measures to prevent reoffending by convicted terrorists. While the Parole Board emphasizes its rigorous review process, the decision has raised questions about public safety and the ability to monitor individuals with a history of extremist violence.
The Bluewater bomb plot remains a chilling reminder of the threats faced by the UK, and the case continues to highlight the importance of vigilance against domestic and international terrorism.
