Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, 25, was given a mandatory term after he admitted attempting to blow up the plane on Christmas Day 2009 as a would-be suicide mission for al-Qaeda.

A Detroit judge refused to set aside a federal law despite defence lawyer Anthony Chambers appealing for a lighter sentence as there was no death or serious injury.

Prosecutors said life was warranted because an attempted terror attack heightens public fear.

Read on: Passengers stopped Nigerian terrorist from hijacking plane

A former engineering student at University College London, Abdulmutallab faced eight counts against him, including terrorism and attempted murder

US district judge Nancy Edmunds allowed the sentencing hearing to view an FBI video demonstrating the power of the explosive chemical possessed by Abdulmutallab.

Read on: Nigerian hijacker was linked to al Quaeda says FBI

The privileged son of a wealthy banker, he was badly burned in the failed bombing of Northwest Airlines Flight 253 from Amsterdam to Detroit.

The device produced flame, smoke and panic in the cabin.

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Abdulmutallab returned to the federal court four months after pleading guilty to eight counts including terrorism and attempted murder.

He said he was carrying a ‘blessed weapon’ to avenge Muslim deaths around the world.

Read on: New facts about the Nigerian hajacker

The sentencing hearing gave a platform for some of the 300 passengers and crew on the flight to address the court.

Alain Ghonda said he travels the world with heightened awareness.

‘After having that experience, you do not know who is sitting next to you,’ said the 40-year-old consultant from Silver Spring, Maryland.

‘They may look like passengers, but they might want to harm you.’

(BBC News)

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