A depraved jihadi terrorist who plotted to kidnap a British Muslim soldier and film himself beheading him ‘like a pig’ could be freed from jail within weeks as he prepares for a Parole Board hearing later this month.

Parviz Khan, 53, was handed a life sentence – with a minimum of 14 years – at Leicester Crown Court in February 2008 after his sinister plan was intercepted.

The trial heard that during the time he was plotting his attack in 2007 Khan was raking in more than £20,000 a year in benefits while claiming to be a full-time carer for his elderly mother.

It added that at the time Khan himself recognised he was not ready for release on parole licence.

It was his first time in front of the Parole Board after becoming eligible for parole in February 2021 and after denying his release they said his case would be considered again in two years.

Now, two years later, Khan will return for his second hearing at the end of this month and asked to be released again.

Former counter-terror Chief Chris Phillips has warned: ‘Freeing this man would present a huge risk to public safety. You have to ask whether he will ever be suitable to live in the community.’ 

A Parole Board spokesperson said: ‘An oral hearing has been listed for the parole review of Parviz Khan and is scheduled to take place in April 2024. Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.

‘A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims.

‘Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing.

‘Evidence from witnesses including probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements are then given at the hearing.

‘The prisoner and witnesses are then questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more. Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.’