Norfolk restaurant owner accused of terror plot in Manchester denies being 'shameless liar'
Tunisian national Walid Saadaoui is charged with preparing acts of terrorism.
A former restaurant owner accused of plotting a terrorist attack against Jewish people has denied being a "shameless liar" during his trial at Preston Crown Court.
Tunisian national Walid Saadaoui, 38, is charged with preparing acts of terrorism, which he and co-defendant Amar Hussein, 52, deny.
Saadaoui, formerly the owner of an Italian restaurant in Great Yarmouth, is alleged to have planned an assault involving firearms targeting a mass gathering in the Manchester area.
He told the jury that he was "playing along" with an undercover operative, believing them to be a supporter of the so-called Islamic State. Saadaoui stated his intention had been to sabotage any attack by contacting the police.
Saadaoui said his involvement stemmed from a "seven-year ordeal" of threats from Syrian national Hamdi Almasalkhi, who he referred to as "Person A." He claimed the man had coerced him after a series of threats dating back to 2017.
Saadaoui described meeting Almasalkhi outside a mosque in Norwich, offering financial help to support his return to Syria. He alleged that Almasalkhi subsequently identified himself as a "mujahideen" and threatened to report Saadaoui to police for financing extremism unless he complied with his demands.
Saadaoui stated he relocated to Wigan in 2023 to escape Person A, but claimed the threats continued.
During the trial, prosecutor Harpreet Sandhu KC presented Almasalkhi's death certificate, which stated he died in February 2021. Sandhu argued this undermined Saadaoui's defence, as his alleged threats continued beyond this date.
Saadaoui refuted the certificate, claiming it was an "Isis classic" for wanted individuals to fake death.
Mr Sandhu accused Saadaoui of shifting blame and being an Islamic State supporter, allegations Saadaoui firmly denied.
Saadaoui was arrested by counter-terrorism officers on 8th May 2025 at a hotel car park in Bolton. Police found two assault rifles, a semi-automatic pistol, and almost 200 rounds of ammunition in the boot of a car. Saadaoui denied any intent to commit an attack.
Amar Hussein, of no fixed address, also denies preparing acts of terrorism during the alleged period between 13th December 2023 and 9th May 2024.
Saadaoui's brother, 36-year-old Bilel Saadaoui from Hindley, Wigan, has pleaded not guilty to failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism during the same timeframe.
The trial continues.