Problems accused Ottawa terrorist Momin Khawaja faced building electronic bomb detonating devices stopped a London terror cell from successfully striking the British capital around Christmas 2003, a British court heard Wednesday.
In closing remarks at the 10-month trial of seven young British Muslim men accused in the plot, Crown prosecutor David Waters told jurors how a flurry of activity proved the men were initially planning to act in December 2003, months before the eventual spring 2004 attack date alleged by authorities. Waters suggested Khawaja's technical difficulties were a crucial factor for the delay.
Precisely when London police and MI5 security service agents learned of the group's activities has not been revealed. But evidence introduced in court points to early February 2004. The timing is significant because it means the initial alleged attack date was nearing long before authorities were aware of the plot. |