Menu
15/10/2008
Failed Devon Bomber Admits Terror Charges
A 22-year-old Islam-convert has pleaded guilty to a failed terrorist attack in Devon earlier this year.
Nicky Reilly admitted charges of attempted murder and terrorism offences relating to the suicide bomb-bid at a restaurant in May.
The accused sustained serious injuries when the homemade explosive device detonated in his hands, as he attempted to assemble it in the Giraffe restaurant's toilets.
Reilly was arrested after emerging from the Exeter eatery, which was recorded on CCTV.
Appearing in court via a video link, Mohammad Rashid Saeed-Alim - as Reilly wishes to be known - pleaded guilty to two of four original charges.
In addition to attempted murder, he also admitted a charge of engaging in preparation for terrorism at the Old Bailey.
It is alleged Reilly used the internet to research bomb-making techniques.
He is understood to have made three devices using caustic soda, paraffin and nails.
Defence lawyer Kerim Fuad told the court: "His plan was to run out of the cubicle with all three bombs.
"There is much I wish to advance on behalf of this defendant's unusual and complex personal background which led to this ugly and dangerous incident."
Police have suggested Reilly, who reportedly suffers from learning difficulties, was "preyed upon and radicalised by others".
Presiding judge, Mr Justice Calvert-Smith, told the court Reilly had been supported by two unidentified people who had contacted him via an extremist website.
The judge said: "There is evidence from materials seized that he became increasingly drawn to violent action in support of fellow Muslims in revenge for perceived persecution, and to the idea of himself personally becoming a martyr.
"He told the police that he had long nursed an ambition to become a martyr."
Reilly was remanded in custody for sentencing on November 21.
See: Shopping Mall Explosion Injures One
(PR)(BMcC)
Nicky Reilly admitted charges of attempted murder and terrorism offences relating to the suicide bomb-bid at a restaurant in May.
The accused sustained serious injuries when the homemade explosive device detonated in his hands, as he attempted to assemble it in the Giraffe restaurant's toilets.
Reilly was arrested after emerging from the Exeter eatery, which was recorded on CCTV.
Appearing in court via a video link, Mohammad Rashid Saeed-Alim - as Reilly wishes to be known - pleaded guilty to two of four original charges.
In addition to attempted murder, he also admitted a charge of engaging in preparation for terrorism at the Old Bailey.
It is alleged Reilly used the internet to research bomb-making techniques.
He is understood to have made three devices using caustic soda, paraffin and nails.
Defence lawyer Kerim Fuad told the court: "His plan was to run out of the cubicle with all three bombs.
"There is much I wish to advance on behalf of this defendant's unusual and complex personal background which led to this ugly and dangerous incident."
Police have suggested Reilly, who reportedly suffers from learning difficulties, was "preyed upon and radicalised by others".
Presiding judge, Mr Justice Calvert-Smith, told the court Reilly had been supported by two unidentified people who had contacted him via an extremist website.
The judge said: "There is evidence from materials seized that he became increasingly drawn to violent action in support of fellow Muslims in revenge for perceived persecution, and to the idea of himself personally becoming a martyr.
"He told the police that he had long nursed an ambition to become a martyr."
Reilly was remanded in custody for sentencing on November 21.
See: Shopping Mall Explosion Injures One
(PR)(BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 February 2013
Actor Michael Le Vell Appears In Court On 19 Child Sex Crime Charges
Actor Michael Le Vell, Coronation Street’s Kevin Webster, has appeared in court to face a number of child sex crime charges. 48-year-old Le Vell is charged with 19 serious sexual offences, including six rapes and six indecent assaults.
Actor Michael Le Vell Appears In Court On 19 Child Sex Crime Charges
Actor Michael Le Vell, Coronation Street’s Kevin Webster, has appeared in court to face a number of child sex crime charges. 48-year-old Le Vell is charged with 19 serious sexual offences, including six rapes and six indecent assaults.
27 January 2009
French Court Postpones Extradition Decision
Magistrates in France have today postponed a decision on the extradition of Robert Williams, to the UK, after he was found with a teenage girl from Lincolnshire. Fifteen-year-old Laura Stainforth, was discovered in France last week with Mr Williams after going missing from her home.
French Court Postpones Extradition Decision
Magistrates in France have today postponed a decision on the extradition of Robert Williams, to the UK, after he was found with a teenage girl from Lincolnshire. Fifteen-year-old Laura Stainforth, was discovered in France last week with Mr Williams after going missing from her home.
22 November 2007
Buried Body Suspect Attacked In Prison
The man accused of the murder of teenager Vicky Hamilton has been attacked in prison by an inmate. Peter Tobin, 61, who is being held at Saughton jail in Edinburgh, was due in court on Thursday to face charges relating to the murder of the 15-year-old Scottish schoolgirl.
Buried Body Suspect Attacked In Prison
The man accused of the murder of teenager Vicky Hamilton has been attacked in prison by an inmate. Peter Tobin, 61, who is being held at Saughton jail in Edinburgh, was due in court on Thursday to face charges relating to the murder of the 15-year-old Scottish schoolgirl.
15 November 2007
Prisoner Makes Court Appearance Over Kent Body
A man has appeared in court to face charges related to the death of 15-year-old Vicky Hamilton, whose remains were found in the garden of a house in Kent. Peter Tobin, 61, who is currently in custody, appeared before Linlithgow Sheriff Court on Thursday. He was remanded in custody and is expected to reappear in court next week.
Prisoner Makes Court Appearance Over Kent Body
A man has appeared in court to face charges related to the death of 15-year-old Vicky Hamilton, whose remains were found in the garden of a house in Kent. Peter Tobin, 61, who is currently in custody, appeared before Linlithgow Sheriff Court on Thursday. He was remanded in custody and is expected to reappear in court next week.
15 June 2005
Bashir may face legal action
British journalist Martin Bashir could face legal action over a controversial Michael Jackson documentary, following the pop superstar’s acquittal from child abuse charges.
Bashir may face legal action
British journalist Martin Bashir could face legal action over a controversial Michael Jackson documentary, following the pop superstar’s acquittal from child abuse charges.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
