Media may have used the term "discussed" but they were convicted for plotting. By legal definition, in order to commit a crime there has to be a proved conscious intent and actions taken. Even grouping together is considered an action, I assume for 16 years they've dome more than that. There was also existing home made bomb.

Sorry this guy is a criminal and a murderer, his value to society is pretty low to considering he hasn't done anything of a value in his life, except moving to UK.