From the Ilford Recorder
Khuram Butt, 27, became friends with his “idol” who was the former leader of the banned group ALM before his marriage in December 2013 – and would campaign alongside him and other fanatics, an inquest heard on Wednesday, May 29.
On June 3 2017, Butt and two other extremists launched a van and knife attack on London Bridge and Borough Market which left eight people dead and 48 others injured.
A lawyer for the victims questioned why Choudary was not investigated by counter-terrorism police for encouraging Butt to carry out the atrocity.
Butt went to Choudary’s Ilford home for dinner at least twice – and the attacker hosted him at his east London home once, the inquest was told.
The father-of-two also met Mizanur Rahman, who was convicted alongside Choudary in 2016 of inviting support for Islamic State.
Mr Patterson said: “So it looks as though Butt was visiting at the home address of Choudary at a time when he was released on bail on suspicion of terrorist offences.”
Acting Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who investigated the attackers, replied: “Yes, Sir. That would be correct.”
Mr Jolley agreed Mr Raza’s statement appeared to suggest Choudary had encouraged Butt. But he said it was “hearsay evidence”, adding: “We would look to seek an evidential case before we put it to the Crown Prosecution Service. . . .We did not arrest Anjem Choudary during this investigation.”
The attacker’s sister Haleema Butt also told police he “idolised” Choudary.
The inquests continue.
