Cleared liquid bomb plotter’s ordeal
The jury at the airline bomb plot trial found Donald Stewart-Whyte not guilty of conspiring to murder by blowing up planes. Simon Israel put six written questions to him via his solicitor.
Mr Stewart-Whyte sent his written answers to Channel 4 News on 7 September 2009.
Can you describe what you have gone through since you were arrested in August 2006?
Events since August 2006 can only be described as an ordeal for myself and my family. However, it has made us stronger and united us in my defence.
It has also allowed us to see who our true friends are, all of which are blessings that come from hard times.
Can you explain your views on (a) 9/11, (b) those who wish to carry out acts of terrorism on behalf of Islam.
5,000 people were murdered and millions affected, children were made fatherless and motherless, and husbands and wives widowed.
Ever since my conversion to Islam I have tried to separate the beautiful religion of Islam and its peaceful teachings from acts of terrorism like 9/11 and 7/7.
Liquid bomb plot trio jailed for life
Why did you have a gun, silencer, and ammunition?
“I was a stupid young immature boy, and that is the reason I am in custody by my choice now, because the first person to admit my wrong doing is myself. Anything further will have to be dealt with after my trial in relation to that offence.”
What do you intend to do when you finally leave prison?
Get my life back on track, provide for my family, and work on the dream my wife and I established together even before our marriage, that we would like one day to open an orphanage for children in a deprived country.
What are your feelings/thoughts towards those who were in the dock with you and have been found guilty?
I have run and practised my case very independently from the rest of those who were on trial with me. We dealt with each other amicably and on face value.
I was placed in this trial at the last moment, and to the shock of myself and the others in the dock.
Did the police at any time try to pressure you into becoming an informant or someone useful to them?
I had the offer given to me several times. However, they failed to understand that I was innocent and hardly knew anything of anyone in the dock with me. I was never pressured, though.
Did you believe that it was, and still is, an al-Qaida ambition to blow up planes and that something like the plan in this case will happen again?
I am undecided as to what was going on. Only God knows what the future holds. But I hope no blood is needed to be shed.