A HARROW man jailed for his involvement in a terrorist plot to carry out a series of bombings in the UK and US will appeal the severity of his 20-year sentence.

Mohammed Naveed Bhatti was one of seven men sentenced on Thursday, June 14, for their part in the Al Qaeda co-ordinated plan to blow up iconic buildings in the US and to wreak havoc on London's transport network.

The "sleeper cell" was led by Al Qaeda "general" Dhiren Barot, who befriended the quiet Brunel University student who lived at home with his family in North Harrow.

The 27-year-old's family say he was "exploited" by the charismatic Barot and was an "unwitting participant" in the plot to kill thousands of people.

A family statement said: "He does not support any form of violence at home or abroad and was led astray by someone he considered a friend.

"He never had knowledge of the horrifying aspects of this case. His 20-year sentence is utterly disproportionate to his perceived involvement and we will be lodging an appeal against his sentence.

"We'd like to thank those who have supported us with their prayers and thoughts during this very difficult time."

Since their son's arrest in August 2004, the family has been the victim of threatening phone calls and were forced to go into hiding after their home became known as the "Al Qaeda house".

In the almost three years Bhatti has spent in custody he has developed obsessive compulsive disorder, severe depression and has been suicidal.

Bhatti's solicitor, Ruth Bundey, said the "highly inaccurate" reporting of the sentencing had caused added grief and anguish for the family.

She said: "It has been a privilege for me to get to know Naveed and his marvellous family over the last three years.

"Naveed's position in this case shows just how cruel the terrorist' label can be when applied to many young men caught up in something they never fully understood - and would have recoiled from if acquainted with the full picture."

The former Gayton High School pupil's crime was to chauffer Barot around London and to store items for him in the family garage in February 2004.

He knew his friend was plotting something when he spotted a diagram of a detonator. On the one occasion he did confront Barot he was told: "It's between myself and Allah".

But it was only after his arrest on August 3, 2004, that Bhatti discovered he had been stashing research material for the terror plot, including an encrypted DVD of the American plans.

Examination of his computer, which he allowed another of Barot's friends to use in private, uncovered draft plans for producing a "dirty bomb".

In April, Bhatti pleaded guilty to conspiracy to cause an explosion or explosions with intent to endanger life.

Ms Bundey, who met with Bhatti at Belmarsh high security prison yesterday (Wednesday) told the Harrow Times an appeal would be launched on the grounds of his mental health, the "clear evidence" of manipulation and his "courage" in entering an early plea.

She said the legal team was also "shocked" at the hierarchy that seemed to come about in the sentencing.

She said: "Naveed only discovered the true reality of the plot after his arrest, he was filled with remorse and became mentally ill whilst remanded in custody.

"Despite his personal traumas he had the courage to face up to the involvement he had and was the first of the defendants sentenced last Friday to indicate a plea of guilty to the lesser charge."

Ms Bundey said Bhatti had come "under the spell" of Barot. She said that his level of involvement in the plot was "small" and that he had been "kept on the outside".

She said: "He became influenced by this man because Naveed was a shy and retiring person who lived with his family and did not have friends. He was delighted to have a friend, it was as simple as that.

"Naveed is a very devout Muslim and takes his religion very seriously, as do his family. But he is not ideological and he did not share Barot's views in any way, shape or form."

Deputy assistant commissioner Peter Clarke, head of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command and national Co-ordinator of terrorist investigations, said the jailed men were the "trusted few" who researched, carried out reconnaissance and supported Barot.

He said: "We know Barot was the ringleader of this terrorist cell. However, he needed the help of the seven men who have been jailed.

"He needed people to carry out research, gain access to specialist libraries, supply vehicles, false identities and travel documents, bank accounts, money and safe houses."