A MUSLIM accused of throwing acid in a man s face for having an affair with his married cousin told the police that extra-marital relationships were fine provided they were not sexual, a court heard. Mohammed Adeel, 20, Mohammed Vakas, 26, and a 17-year-o

A MUSLIM accused of throwing acid in a man's face for having an affair with his married cousin told the police that extra-marital relationships were fine provided they were not sexual, a court heard.

Mohammed Adeel, 20, Mohammed Vakas, 26, and a 17-year-old from Harlesden, are claimed to have beat and stabbed Awais Akram, 25, before burning his face with sulphuric acid.

The Old Bailey heard when arrested, Adeel was asked his views on infidelity and how they fitted in with Islam's take on unfaithfulness.

He said: "Muslim people do not approve of married people having affairs but that is not everybody.

"I don't see myself as having a problem with having a relationship with a person outside marriage, as long as it is not sexual."

But he added: "If my wife would cheat on me I would most likely divorce her and remarry."

And when asked if his relatives roped him into the attack, he replied: "I was not involved in it."

Adeel also denied knowing his teenage co-defendant, claiming they only met in the back of the police van.

He said: "I asked him who he was and he told me. We were sitting there for ages with nothing to do."

It is claimed Mrs Khatoon and her husband Shakeel Abassi were involved in the plot to kill Mr Akram.

Vakaz, her brother, Adeel, her cousin, the teenager and a group of other men jumped Mr Akram in Leytonstone, east London, in the early hours of July 2 last year, jurors heard.

Vakas and Adeel, both from Walthamstow, east London, and the youth deny conspiracy to murder between May 31 and July 3 2009.

Vakas has admitted conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.

Adeel and the youth deny the charge.

The trial continues.