Bomb manuals man jailed nine years

Omar Altimimi kept masses of terror-related material with a list of "suitable targets" for attacks, including nightclubs and airports.

The 37-year-old, who had links to Arab terrorists, also collected detailed information on how to set up terror cells in the UK, ways to make explosives and how car bombs can be detonated at the entrances to buildings via remote control.

Described by security sources as a "clean skin", Altimimi was not known as a terror suspect when he came to England to "blend in" by applying for jobs with the police and as a teacher.

But he had links with Arab terror cells in Europe, kept up multiple identities to cover his tracks and hoarded computer files on his home PC detailing how to plan and carry out jihadi terror.

Father-of-three Altimimi, from Bolton, Lancashire, was found guilty of six counts of possessing material for the purpose of terrorism on Thursday, following a four-week trial at Manchester Crown Court.

He was also convicted of two charges of money laundering.

Passing sentence, Recorder of Manchester Judge Maddison said: "You were indeed, as the prosecution contend, a sleeper for some sort of terrorist organisation.

"It is not known, when, if and how you might have been called upon to play your part.

"The offences contrary to the Terrorism Act are, in my view, of the most serious of their kind likely to come before the court. A person convicted of terrorist offences must expect a substantial sentence."