SKY NEWS have summorized the first day of the trial of Zacarias Moussaoui

US prosecutors have claimed terrorist conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui “rejoiced in the death” of the 9/11 attacks, a court heard. The 37-year-old has already pleaded guilty to being part of a plot to fly airliners into American buildings. But he denied any prior knowledge or involvement in the attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon in 2001.

A sentencing hearing in Virginia will decide if he should be put to death or jailed for life.

The al Qaeda supporter had been arrested in August 2001 on immigration charges

Prosecutor Rob Spencer believed Moussaoui caused the deaths of nearly 3,000 people by failing to tell what he knew of the atrocities.

Mr Spencer said: “He lied so the plot could proceed unimpeded.

” … He rejoiced in the death and destruction … Had Mr. Moussaoui just told the truth, it would all have been different.”

Moussaoui, a 37-year-old French citizen, is the only person ever charged over the attacks.

His defence team argues the FBI knew more about the hijackers’ plans before 9/11 than Moussaoui but still failed to prevent the deaths.