'Dangerous extremist' walks free (From Hillingdon Times)

'Dangerous extremist' walks free

5:29pm Thursday 6th December 2007 in News By Manisha Mistry

A WOMAN described as a "dangerous extremist" has today walked free from court.

Samina Malik, the first lady to be convicted under the Terrorism Act, who worked for WH Smith at Heathrow Airport appeared at the Old Bailey where she was sentenced to nine months in prison - suspended for 18 months.

The 22-year-old, of Townsend Road, Southall, who wrote poems calling for attacks on the west, was convicted on Thursday, November 8, on one count of possessing an article useful to a person committing, or preparing an act of terrorism.

Malik, who was dubbed the "Lyrical Terrorist", became hooked on the extremism of hate preacher Abu Hamza.

The court heard how she wrote on the back of one of her till roles: "I wonder what it will be like to be with the Muslim when a mischief Kafir is shot dead."

The Recorder of London, Judge Peter Beaumont QC, who has described Malik as "a complete enigma", said he was prepared to suspend her prison sentence.

He said: "The Terrorism Act and the restrictions it imposes on personal freedom exist to protect this country, its interest here and abroad, its citizens and those who visit here "Its protection embraces us all, its restrictions apply to us all whatever our personal, religious or political beliefs."

Judge Beaumont added: "In my judgement your offence is on the margin of what this crime concerns.

"I have to consider who you are. You are of good character until now and from a supportive law abiding family, who are appalled by the trouble that you are in."

He said was prepared to consider an alternative to an immediate custody by way of a suspended sentence.

He added: "In my judgement it meets the justice in the case."

Malik will have to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work in the community and will be under supervision for the whole 18 months.

She was arrested when an email from her was discovered on the computer of another suspect who was under surveillance in an anti-terror operation.

The digital files included a sniper rifle manual, a firearms manual, a Mujihadeen Poison Handbook, a manual for rocket-propelled weapons and a document called "How to Win Hand-to Hand Fighting".

Prosecutor Jonathan Sharpe said Malik was a "dangerous extremist".

Malik's solicitor, Iqbal Ahmed, gave a statement saying she had suffered a "terrible ordeal".

Mr Ahmed said: "The trial process has been a terrible ordeal for her and she is now relieved it is all over.

"The jury found she did not have the material for a terrorist purpose.

"She now wants to get on with her life."