Brussels warning to jury in drive-by shootings terror plot trial

Jurors were told to put the events in Brussels out of their minds as they entered a fourth day of deliberations in the trial of three British Muslims accused of plotting terror attacks on the streets of London.

Nyall Hamlett, 25, Nathan Cuffy, 26, and Suhaib Majeed, 21, from west London, allegedly played a part in planning Islamic State-inspired shootings targeting soldiers, police officers and civilians.

The Old Bailey has heard how a gun with bullets and silencer had been sourced and discussions were ongoing to buy an untraceable moped before the trio were arrested in the autumn of 2014.

Medical student Tarik Hassane, 22, nicknamed The Surgeon, from Ladbroke Grove, west London, has admitted conspiracy to murder and preparation of terrorist acts but the other defendants deny the charges.

Cuffy has admitted possession of firearms with intent to endanger life in relation to assorted guns found at his home.

And Majeed has admitted having the Baikal self-loading pistol, silencer and ammunition he had allegedly got from Cuffy via Hamlett, but denies intent to endanger life.

As Mr Justice Wilkie sent jurors out to continue their deliberations, he repeated his warning to them to consider verdicts "dispassionately and without prejudice" on what they had heard in court.

He said that while they "may or may not be aware there has been a terrorist attack or attacks in Brussels this morning", it was "wholly unconnected to this case".

He added: "I am confident you will be able to put the news you received or will receive out of your minds and consider the evidence dispassionately."