Abu Hamza's Greenford House Seized

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Legal Services take possession of property

It's being reported that the Greenford home of the jailed hate preacher Abu Hamza has been seized by the Legal Services Commission.

Hamza, 51, was jailed for seven years after race hate rants at North London's Finsbury Park Mosque.

He bought the house in Hicks Avenue for cash while behind bars and said it belonged to his sister in Egypt.

But the Legal Services Commission launched a bid to win possession when a judge ordered Hamza to pay for his defence costs.

Lawyers proved he owned the property and the High Court granted a seizure order.

Speaking to The Sun newspaper Carolyn Regan, chief executive of the LSC, said:

"We can confirm the LSC has taken possession of Abu Hamza's property, as a contribution to recovering the legal aid costs spent on his defence.

"The LSC will not tolerate people trying to conceal their financial assets. Legal aid is a vital public resource and we are committed to ensuring it is spent on those who most need help with their legal problems."

It is hoped selling the property will raise at least £280,000 to pay back the estimated £300,000 bill for Hamza's defence on legal aid.

The three-year battle was greeted by the TaxPayers' Alliance.

Chief executive Matthew Elliott said:

"It is great news that at long last taxpayers are starting to get some money back from Abu Hamza."

Hamza is currently fighting extradition to the United States on terror charges.

 

 

 

February 9th, 2010