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Salih Khater Metropolitan Police

Man who drove into crowd in Westminster jailed for life

Salih Khater drove his car at pedestrians, cyclists and two police officers in August 2018.

A MAN WHO drove his car into a crowd of people outside the Houses of Parliament in London last year has been jailed for life.

Salih Khater drove his car at pedestrians, cyclists and two police officers before crashing into a barrier at the Palace of Westminster on 14 August 2018.

The 30-year-old was today given a life sentence following an investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.

Khater, of Highgate Street, Birmingham, was previously found guilty at the Old Bailey on 17 July of two counts of attempted murder. 

On sentencing, the judge found that the offence has a ‘terrorist connection’ under section 30 of the Terrorism Act 2008. Khater was sentenced to life imprisonment and must serve a minimum of 15 years before being considered for parole.

Commander Richard Smith, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, welcomed that “an extremely dangerous individual will be behind bars for a considerable time”.

“This was a man who used his car as a weapon to attempt to kill as many people as possible spreading fear and terror. It was our view that this attack was carried out with a terrorist purpose and the sentence confirms this.”

Thoughts with victims 

Smith paid tribute to the “outstanding professionalism and bravery of all the officers who responded to this incident”.

My thoughts too are with all the victims of this terrible attack. Many were left with physical and psychological injuries, which are still impacting on their lives today. I only hope that today’s outcome can give them some small comfort.

Just after 7.30am on 14 August 2018, Khater drove three times around Parliament Square. On his fourth time, he suddenly veered off at speed, driving at opposing traffic on Abingdon Street, outside the Houses of Parliament.

He first struck a jogger crossing the road. He then drove into 14 cyclists, striking some and causing others to fall to the ground. Six of them received injuries, including a broken collarbone and bruising.

Khater then swerved across the central traffic island towards the Palace of Westminster and accelerated directly at two uniformed police officers positioned inside the Palace’s security barrier. Both officers narrowly managed to jump clear and avoid being struck as the car collided into the barrier.

Armed officers rapidly moved in and arrested Khater on suspicion of terrorist offences. A search of the vehicle did not find any other weapons. Khater was taken to a south London police station and did not comment throughout the interview.

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    Mute The Viking
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    Jul 24th 2017, 4:31 PM

    The True Heart of the fighting Irish. Well done Orla. Keep up the fight.

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    Mute Gareth Miskelly
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    Jul 24th 2017, 4:44 PM

    @The Viking: i wish i could like this comment more than once! Couldnt agree more!

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    Mute Mary Murphy
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    Jul 24th 2017, 5:00 PM

    After all this lovely young woman has done for CF wouldn’t you think the bloody health minister would sanction money for her operation. Ffs. Does he have to be led by the nose all the time

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    Mute Jed I. Knight
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    Jul 24th 2017, 6:11 PM

    @Mary Murphy: I’m sure you mean well, but had you taken the time to read any of this inspiring young lady’s blogs, social media posts or her Gofundme page you’d know it isn’t quite that simple.
    As she’s currently so ill she can’t travel back to Ireland, but while her only chance at survival is a lung transplant her health insurance will cover the cost, presumably when a suitable donor becomes available, however that’s not the full story.
    Many of the costs are not covered by insurance, and the first year post transplant are crucial, this after care is crucial – and expensive. Hence the request for funding. If you can spare it, please consider donating. Thank you for your time.

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    Mute Niall O Neill
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    Jul 24th 2017, 7:12 PM

    @Jed I. Knight: l think Mary Murphy was simply pointing out that the Minister for Health might underwrite the cost of Orla’s care. And while it might be exceptional, and lead to “what about me” complaints, l for one would only applaud the intervention. But it won’t happen for political reasons. Maybe a Dermot Desmond, Denis O’Brien, Michael O’Leary or J. P. McManus might anonymously do the right thing. If they even noticed.

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    Mute Mary Murphy
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    Jul 24th 2017, 7:52 PM

    @Jed I. Knight: I actually meant for them to pay the US hospital who is looking after her. Orla is a lady who’s done so much for CF and as such deserves the most that can be done. How do you know I didn’t donate????

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    Mute Jed I. Knight
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    Jul 24th 2017, 8:47 PM

    @Mary Murphy: As I already said, covering the cost of her transplant in America, which is likely to be substantial, isn’t up for debate, she clearly said her health insurance will cover this, thankfully.
    And you’re right, I don’t know if you did or didn’t donate, nor would I ask, it’s a personal issue. I politely asked if you could spare it to consider it.

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    Mute Maire
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    Jul 25th 2017, 10:30 AM

    @Jed I. Knight: Do CF patients get Health Ins.? Of coarse they should, but do they?

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    Mute Maire
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    Jul 25th 2017, 10:32 AM

    @Maire: Sorry, yes I see she has, thank God!

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    Mute Frank Dubogovik
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    Jul 24th 2017, 8:40 PM

    Great stuff….well done …hope it’s a fantastic success….she certainly deserves it!!!

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    Mute Paul Radburn
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    Jul 24th 2017, 6:19 PM

    Some good news for a change, well done.

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    Mute Andi Black
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    Jul 24th 2017, 8:17 PM

    Orla, I hope and pray that you will get the treatment that you need and deserve. Your government has let you down. But there is…… ‘Joe Duffy’ and Liveline, he might be able to help. Kindest regards. Andi!

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    Mute Paul Moran
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    Jul 25th 2017, 3:21 PM

    Now that the fundraising target has been reached, is there need of further donations?
    I was always a great admirer of Orla’s having read her articles in the Irish times, heard her interviews on radio and seen her on the Late Late.
    She is one courageous lady and I wish her success in her forthcoming operation and full health in the years to come. Paul Moran

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