PREACHER of hate Abu Qatada was freed from jail last night on condition he does not contact Osama Bin Laden.

A ludicrous bail ruling also means Qatada cannot receive visits from the worlds most wanted man.

Described as the al-Qaeda warlords No 2 in Europe, Qatada has additionally been barred from contacting preacher Abu Hamza.

Fugitive ... Osama Bin Laden



Qatada, 48, was granted bail last month by a judge at the Special Immigration Appeals Commission but his release was delayed while conditions were agreed.

Last night he was driven-from Long Lartin Prison, Worcs, under a blanket in a Peugeot people carrier.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: I am extremely disappointed the courts have granted Abu Qatada bail.

He won an Appeal Court battle against deportation to Jordan, where he was sentenced in his absence for terror offences and then successfully applied for bail.

But Ms Smith will appeal to the Lords to reverse the deportation decision.

Yesterday Mr Justice Mitting also ordered Qatada must not contact Bin Laden deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri.

The pair are said to be hiding near the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Qatadas conditions ban him from talking to other terror suspects.



He must wear a tag and stay indoors for 22 hours each day.

His wife and children can visit him but he cannot have a mobile phone, computer or internet connection.

And he cannot preach or attend a mosque.

Ann Widdec****e, 61, former Tory Home Office minister, described as ludicrous the bail condition preventing him having Bin Laden round to visit.

Taxpayers face a £1million bill to keep Qatada under house arrest.