(CNN) — The architect of an al Qaeda-inspired terror plot in Birmingham, England, was sentenced Friday to at least 18 years in prison without the possibility of parole, the West Midlands Police said.
A judge sentenced Irfan Naseer to five life sentences for his role in the planned attack and ordered he serve a minimum of 18 years before being considered for parole, police said.
Naseer was convicted in February of plotting to deploy suicide bombers carrying explosive-laden backpacks. Two men, described as his lieutenants, also were convicted.
Antonia Mortensen contributed to this report.
