Doctor acquitted of bombing can stay

LONDON, Aug. 7 (UPI) -- British security officials have given up their effort to deport a Jordanian neurologist acquitted of involvement in a terror bomb plot.

Dr. Mohammed Asha's immigration status is still uncertain. But the BBC said it has been told the Home Office is withdrawing its deportation case, which was scheduled to be heard in October.

Asha was a friend of two doctors, Bilal Abdullah and Kafeel Ahmed, who attempted to do large-scale damage at Glasgow Airport by driving an explosive-laden jeep into the terminal. Ahmed died of injuries sustained in the bombing several weeks later, while Abdullah was convicted of conspiracy.

At his trial in 2007, he said he became friends with the two at Cambridge University but did not share their political views.

"Dr Asha always said he was innocent and that he was not a threat to national security," Tayab Ali, one of Asha's lawyers, said. "His position is now entirely vindicated. He now hopes that he can resume his normal life as a family man and neurosurgeon."

The General Medical Council restored Asha to its register last month, allowing him to practice in Britain.