French court sentences repentant Algerian jihadist to life imprisonment
An Algerian student who shot dead a young mother as he prepared to attack a French church has been sentenced to life imprisonment.
Sid-Ahmed Ghlam presented himself in a Paris court as a repentant jihadist manipulated by Islamic State handlers in Syria, who five years ago told him to attack a church in Villejuif, south of the capital.
He never carried out the attack.
He claimed a mystery accomplice killed 22 year-old fitness instructor Aurélie Châtelain by accident, despite his DNA being found with her body in her burnt-out car.
The court ordered him to serve at least 22 years, with immediate deportation to follow.
Three accomplices were jailed for up to 30 years.