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Alright, so we've got Walid Saadaoui, this guy accused of plotting a terror attack in Manc... Alright, so we've got Walid Saadaoui, this guy accused of plotting a terror attack in Manchester, and his defense? He's claiming he was just "playing along" with an undercover operative, that he was gonna call the cops eventually, and that a Syrian dude was threatening him. Give me a break.
The "Threat" That Died Years Ago
He claims this Syrian guy, Person A, was threatening him since 2017 and that's why he moved his whole life from Great Yarmouth to Wigan. But get this: the prosecution whips out a death certificate showing Person A died in 2021. Boom.
Saadaoui's response? "No, he didn't. He is alive." And then he throws in an "Isis classic" about faking deaths. Right. Because that's totally believable. I mean, are we supposed to buy that he's been living in fear for years from a dead guy? It's like claiming your landlord is a ghost who keeps raising the rent.
The prosecutor, Harpreet Sandhu KC, nails it: "This death certificate undermines your entire defense, doesn't it?" You'd think so, right? But Saadaoui doubles down. "I know he is not dead." Okay, buddy.
"Playing Along" With Terror?
So, this is where it gets even more absurd. Saadaoui wants us to believe he was "playing along" with a supposed ISIS supporter and a Syrian guy who was threatening him. Playing along with terrorism? Is that like playing along with a bad improv group? "Yes, and...we blow up a synagogue!"
He claims he was going to sabotage the plot by calling the police. Right, because that's totally a foolproof plan. Just wait until the last minute, after you've acquired assault rifles and ammo, and then call the cops. Genius.
And offcourse, the only evidence he has of these "seven-year ordeal" of threats are his own words. No texts, no voicemails, nothing. It's like saying you have a million dollars but it's all in your imagination.
From Restaurant Owner to...Terrorist?
Here's the thing: Saadaoui used to own a "very successful" restaurant. So, what, did he just wake up one day and decide, "You know what? I'm tired of serving falafel. I'm gonna plot a terror attack instead!" I'm not buying it. This whole story smells fishier than week-old sushi.
The guy was arrested in a hotel car park in Bolton, approaching a car with two assault rifles, a semi-automatic pistol, and almost 200 rounds of ammunition. And he expects us to believe he was just "playing along"? That's like saying you were just "playing along" with robbing a bank when you're caught wearing a ski mask and holding a shotgun.
But wait, are we really supposed to believe that someone who owned a successful restaurant would suddenly decide to become a terrorist? Then again, maybe I'm the crazy one here. Maybe everyone's got a secret dark side just waiting to explode. Nah.
He's Got to Be Kidding Me...
This whole "shameless liar" defense is an insult to everyone's intelligence. Saadaoui's story is so full of holes, it's practically Swiss cheese. He's either delusional, a master manipulator, or both. And honestly, I'm leaning towards both. According to the Manchester Terror plot accused denies being 'shameless liar', Saadaoui's claims have been met with skepticism.