He denied direct involvement in the New York attacks, but said he was training to attack the White House in a fifth hijacked plane on 11 September.

Moussaoui said he was to be accompanied by convicted shoe bomber Richard Reid.

Under cross-examination by prosecutor Robert Spencer, Moussaoui told the court he had lied after being arrested in Minnesota in August 2001.

Although he did not know exactly when the attacks planned against New York and Washington were due to take place, Moussaoui said he realised that misleading investigators would ensure they were carried out.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Moussaoui, who has pleaded guilty to six counts of conspiracy.

BBC