Man on trial for 'helping killer'

A MAN has gone on trial accused of helping a 'murderer' flee the country for Syria.

Mohammed Syadul Hussain is alleged to have given alleged killer Mohammed Abdul Kadir, of Chamber Road, Oldham, getaway money ­- used to head for ISIS-occupied territory ­- after he bludgeoned 71-year-old Jalal Uddin to death in Rochdale.

Mr Hussain (25), of Samson Street, Rochdale, denies assisting an offender in a Manchester Crown Court trial.

Last year Mohammed Syeedy (22), of Ramsay Street, Rochdale, was convicted of his murder and jailed for life.

Kadir is said to be the one who struck the fatal blows - but he has never been tried because he flew to Turkey, the main route into ISIS for Western jihadis, in the aftermath.

Both Syeedy and Kadir are said to have been supporters of ISIS, who promote violence against those who practice 'magic', the court heard. It is alleged Mr Hussain was a 'fellow sympathiser' and kept updated of a six-month campaign the pair waged against Mr Uddin ­- in which his religious materials were stolen, and he was photographed, filmed and stalked.

The court has heard Syeedy's group wanted him deported as an overstayer. But after seeing him pictured outside a mosque with Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk they feared Mr Uddin, who they nicknamed 'Voldemort', wouldn't be 'busted'.

On the evening of February 18 it is alleged that Kadir set upon Mr Uddin as he walked through a park in Wardleworth, Rochdale, striking him repeatedly to the head and face with a hammer.

Opening the case, Mr Greaney said: "(Hussain) had a shared mindset. It's contrary to all common sense to suggest Kadir and Syeedy would have kept from him what they had done. The truth is they did not - he was fully informed."

Proceeding.