Atif Siddique, convicted last year under the terrorism statutes, has been granted leave to appeal against his conviction and sentence.

At a hearing in the High Court today (Wednesday), Siddique was told he could appeal under four grounds, after he was convicted and sentenced to eight years imprisonment by Lord Carloway.  The bases allowed for the appeal are misdirection, that the original charge was unbalanced, that Siddique had a reasonable excuse, and that the sentence was excessive.

Siddique's conviction resulted in his solicitor Aamer Anwar making an impassioned statement on behalf of his client that he was guilty only of "looking for answers on the internet", and that the verdict was a "tragedy for justice".  Anwar himself was referred to the High Court for his remarks, but cleared of acting in contempt of court last month.

There will now be a procedural hearing in September, followed by a full appeal hearing in early 2009.

Anwar told the Firm that his client was likely to apply for bail at the September hearing.

"Mr Siddique has, since the beginning, maintained his innocence.  He is satisfied with the outcome today but knows there is a long way to go.  However, as proceedings are still active it would be inappropriate to comment further," he said.