The accused looked stunned as the verdict was read out. Staring blankly at the judge, Mounir al-Motassadeq appeared unable to believe what he was hearing: that he was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his direct involvement in the worst terrorist act in history.

Yet Albrecht Mentz, the presiding judge, was absolutely sure. Mr Motassadeq, he said, "knew the scale of what was being planned and, worse, he wanted it to happen".