A MAN has denied he was the ringleader of the firebomb attack on a Birkby house.
And Shaied Iqbal, 26, also denied laughing and joking after learning the arson attack had left eight people dead.
Leeds Crown Court heard yesterday that Iqbal, of Springdale Road, Thornton Lodge, said he was shocked when he learned people had died in the fire in May last year.
But he insisted under cross-examination from Mr Paul Worsley, QC, prosecuting, that he believed the house in Osborne Road had been empty.
Iqbal denies eight counts of murder. Similar pleas have been entered by Shakiel Shazad, 24, of Gledholt Road, Gledholt, and Nazar Hussain, 24, of Dryclough Road, Crosland Moor. All deny conspiracy to commit arson.
Iqbal said he became involved in the plot to attack cars by the house through stupidity and was not the man in charge. He also denied bragging that he was responsible.
The trial continues on Monday.
