CONVICTED terrorist Saajid Badat would be tolerated in Gloucester as long as he shows genuine remorse.

Leading city figures believe it is unlikely he will return to the city he shamed, after it was revealed he will be released on July 27 – the eve of the London Olympics.

But if he does, Gloucester is ready to forgive him if he has reformed.

“If he has learnt his lesson and turned his back on extremism and terrorism, and he is willing to contribute to Gloucester and Society in a positive way, then I believe he should be allowed a second chance,” said Saj Patel, Conservative councillor for the ward which was rocked by Badat’s arrest in 2003.

“The entire community here was shocked when Mr Badat was convicted and sent to prison. I sincerely hope that his time in prison has made him realise that no civilised society can tolerate that kind of behaviour, and that he has left prison a wiser and more peaceful man.

“The local muslim community in Gloucester is a peaceful one and does not support extremism or terrorism in any way shape or form.”

The former Crypt School pupil was part of an al-Qaeda plot targeting airliners with shoe bomber Richard Reid in December 2001. But he backed out and hid bomb-making equipment under his bed at his parents’ St James Street home.

Badat, now 32, admitted conspiracy to destroy, damage or endanger an aircraft in 2005 and was jailed for 13 years.

Gloucester City Council leader Paul James said: “If he has genuinely learnt his lesson and rejected terror, then people should forgive him and accept him. If he does wish to come back to Gloucester, I hope he will demonstrate his intent by making a positive contribution to the community.”

The Ministry of Justice would not comment on individual cases but in June, when The Times revealed his release was “imminent”, it said those convicted of terrorist offences will be supervised on release and could be recalled if they breach strict conditions. They may also be subject to Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA).

City councillor Said Hansdot (L, Barton and Tredworth) added: “If he is released, he needs to move on, forget the past and look to the future.

“It’s a closed book as far as I am concerned.