Atif Siddique, convicted on terrorism charges in 2007 is to have his conviction quashed on the grounds of "misdirection" by trial judge Lord Carloway.

The Crown said it is considering raising fresh proceedings. In the meantime the court is considering the question of releasing Siddique on bail. This decision will be made on 9 February.

Siddique was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment on the 20th October 2007, having been convicted of the S57(1), S54(1) & S2(1)of the Terrorism Act 2000 as well as a Breach of Peace. The appeal against conviction was heard by three senior judges, Lords Osbourne, Reed & Clarke at Edinburgh High Court on the 30th June, 1st and 2nd July 2009. 

Siddique was described as Scotland’s first ‘Islamist Terrorist’. At the time of the conviction-Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: "The successful conviction of the individual today in Glasgow is a reminder that the threat we face from terrorism is real and not isolated to any particular region." Charges of contempt of court were also brought against Siddique’s lawyer Aamer Anwar for comments made after the verdict.

Anwar had stated on behalf of Siddique that “he was guilty only of doing what millions of young people do every day, looking for answers on the internet. This verdict is a tragedy for justice and freedom of speech and undermines the values that separates us from the terrorists. Atif Siddique states that he is not a terrorist and is innocent of the charges and it is not a crime to be a young Muslim angry at global injustice. In the end Atif Siddique did not receive a fair trial and we will be considering an appeal."

Anwar was ultimately cleared by the High Court in July 2008.

More follows later.