RADICAL Muslim activist Omar Brooks does not have sympathy with British and American troops who die in combat, a court heard.

Mr Brooks, also known as Abu Izzadeen, of Brierley Road, Leytonstone, is accused along with seven others of inciting and fundraising for terrorism.

Ibrahim Abdullah Hassan, 25, of Leyton, is also standing trial for the same offences.

They deny the charges.

Mr Brooks told Kingston Crown Court: "If somebody is defending his wife and his house and kills them (troops), I don't feel sorry."

The pair helped lead an anti-war rally at the Regents Park Mosque in November 2004 as American forces fought for control of the Iraqi city of Fallujah.

The jury was earlier shown recordings of all eight defendants speaking about Osama bin Laden, prejudice against Muslims and jihad.

Mr Brooks admitted using offensive language, but insisted he had no other weapon than his tongue.

He said: "That's what a demonstration is all about. At a demonstration it's about getting the point across and sometimes I do use insulting and abusive language but it's nothing more than that. It's rhetoric."

Mr Brooks achieved national notoriety when he heckled then Home Secretary John Reid during a meeting with Muslim parents in Leyton.

He admitted using the minister's high profile to publicise his message, but said he had never asked people to join terrorist organisations.

He also conceded that he views Osama bin Laden as a "symbol of resistance".

The trial continues.