LONDON: A Canterbury University student was the “hitman for hire” who orchestrated attack on Shahzad Akbar on 24 December last year and he was “controller” of three others who were involved in attacks at both Akbar and Adil Raja, the Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard here.
Louis Regan, 25, appeared before Judge Tan Ikram accused of plotting simultaneous assaults on Shahzad Akbar and Adil Raja at 8am on Christmas Eve last year. The prosecution objected to the bail application made by Regan’s lawyer, informing the court that the accused was the “main controller” of the attacks plot and if bailed he would interfere with the police case and could damage evidence.
When asked by the judge about the motivation of these attacks, the prosecutor said he has no idea about the motivation and objective of these attacks. “There is no motivation established, it’s a live investigation”.
The court heard Regan is accused of leading a “planned and sophisticated” plot for both men to be attacked on their doorsteps simultaneously. The judge ruled that these attacks were simultaneous and well-planned and there were enough grounds that Regan will commit further offences if not remanded in custody. The judge ruled that Regan will appear before the Central Criminal Court on 13 February with co-defendants Karl Scott Blackbird, Clark Anthony McAulay and Doneto Brammer who are all accused of conspiring with each other to assault Adil Raja and Shahzad Akbar.
