Prisoner 'throws boiling oil' over terrorist leader who plotted to murder thousands with dirty bombs

The 22-year-old inmate is accused of scarring for life Dhiren Barot, who was jailed for life for leading a British-based terrorist cell that plotted bombings across the world.

Barot's lawyer claimed he had the boiling oil thrown over him during the attack in the high security Frankland Prison in County Durham.

The unnamed prisoner faces charges of wounding and assault occasioning actual bodily harm following the incident on July 6.

He will appear in court later this month.

After the alleged attack, which left Barot, 35, with excruciating burns, a news blackout was imposed to protect medical staff from possible attack while he was treated at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.

A Durham Police spokesman said today in a statement: "A prison inmate from Sunderland has been charged with an assault at Durham's top security Frankland Jail this year.

"The victim, a 35-year-old Category A prisoner, suffered burns to his body and face in the alleged attack on July 6.

"He was treated for several days at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary before being readmitted to the prison.

"Police inquiries have been taking place since then and this morning detectives from Durham charged a 22-year-old from Sunderland with wounding and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

"He is due to appear before magistrates at Peterlee on October 23."

Barot was sentenced to life, with a minimum term of 30 years, for planning to plant radioactive, chemical or toxic gas bombs and pack limousines with nails and explosives in the UK and America.

The al Qaida mastermind had been moved to Frankland from Belmarsh jail, south east London, after fears for his safety.

Barot was arrested in August 2004 and accused of conspiracy to murder.

He admitted planning to bomb several targets including the New York Stock Exchange, the International Monetary Fund HQ, and the World Bank.

Barot, who recruited other bomb plotters, was sentenced to life in prison last November.

It was recommended he serve 40 years but that was cut to 30 years on appeal in May.

Barot was born in India then moved to Kenya with his family.

They came to England in 1973 and his banker father had to work in a factory to support them.

Hindu Barot converted to Islam aged 20. He later travelled to Pakistan for al Qaida training and funding.