Fanatical preacher jailed for nine years

The fanatical preacher Abdullah el-Faisal was jailed for a total of nine years at the Old Bailey today for inciting his followers to murder and stirring up race hatred.

The 39-year-old father of three was found guilty on February 24 of three charges of soliciting murder and three charges involving stirring up racial hatred.

Common Serjeant of London Peter Beaumont told him: "Instead of being a calming force you fanned the flames of hostility."

The judge recommended el-Faisal, of Stratford, east London, be deported at the end of his sentence.