Beheading plot trial told of Abu Hamza material

The man who plotted to kidnap and behead a Muslim British soldier was a supporter of radical cleric Abu Hamza, a court heard yesterday.

Parviz Khan, 37, who has admitted his role in the planned beheading, had material by the jailed preacher in a hoard of extremist documents discovered at his home in Birmingham, the jury at Leicester crown court was told.

Anti-terror police who searched the property also found videos featuring speeches by al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden and his deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri as well material by Abu Hamza, who was jailed in 2006 for inciting murder and race hate. There was also propaganda about terrorist atrocities, including the July 7 attacks. Khan has admitted being the mastermind behind an "evil" plot to abduct a Muslim British soldier and behead him "like a pig" in a lock-up garage.

A jury has been told Khan pleaded guilty to engaging in conduct with the intention to commit acts of terrorism between April 2006 and February 2007.

Khan allegedly enlisted Amjad Mahmood and Basiru Gassama, to help identify a target. Mahmood, who worked in a shop near Khan's home in Alum Rock, has denied a charge of failing to disclose information relating to an act of terrorism.

Gassama, 30, has pleaded guilty to failing to disclose information relating to an act of terrorism. Three other men said to have been members of Khan's alleged cell were also charged with terrorism-related offences.

Duncan Atkinson, prosecuting, told the court: "There were a number of books and literature [at Khan's house], most of which appeared ready for distribution - for example, writings by Abu Hamza."

The trial continues.