Police say that the conviction is not only important in showing that the huge resources put into fighting terrorism get results but may also help to convince the Muslim community that there is a genuine threat in Britain.

For several years police have been trying to counter criticism from Muslim communities unhappy at what they have described as heavy-handed tactics.

Peter Clarke, Deputy Assistant Commissioner and head of Scotland Yard’s anti-terrorist branch, said: “This is a very important conviction and is the culmination of a painstaking investigation lasting three years. It is a tremendous example of co-operation between international agencies and those in the UK.”

Police travelled to 15 countries as part of the investigation and gathered “overwhelming evidence” which led to the guilty plea.

Mr Clarke said this included scientific evidence that proved a match between material found at Badat’s home and what had been linked to Richard Reid.

He said the conviction “demonstrates the reality of the threat we are facing. Badat had agreed to blow up a passenger aircraft from Europe to the United States and was prepared to kill himself and hundreds of innocent people”.

Mr Clarke asked how “a young British man was transformed from an intelligent, articulate person who was well respected, into a person who has pleaded guilty to one of the most serious crimes that you can think of?”

That question was also being asked last night by many of the people who have known Badat for years. Mary Flanagan, a neighbour in Gloucester, said: “I’m so shocked to know that there was a bomb in that house for two years. It could have gone off at any time and blown up half the street.

“My main feeling is one of pity and sorrow for his dad, Mohammad Badat, who is a lovely, lovely man.”

After the raid in November 2003 the Badats were allowed back in their house for four months, but when they finally did come back she said Mr Badat came round to all the neighbours apologising for the upheaval.

Gloucester’s first Muslim councillor said Badat was a much-loved member of the community. Usman Bhaimia, a Liberal Democrat councillor, said: “He is such a lovely guy, very studious and hard-working and quiet. Everyone in the community loves him and I think this is the reason why everyone is so shocked at today’s news.”

Shabir Bham, a spokesman for the 4,000 strong Muslim community in Gloucester added: “The community remains a peaceful and law-abiding community. We remain deeply troubled by this awful news.”

Inayat Bunglawala, spokesman for the Muslim Council of Britain, said: “This appears to be the first clear-cut case of actual involvement by a British Muslim in a terror plot in this country.

“Saajid Badat can expect no sympathy from British Muslims.”

Massoud Shadjareh, chairman of the Islamic Human Rights Commission, said Badat’s case was the exception which proved the rule that Muslims were “overwhelmingly law abiding citizens”.

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