By IRNA,
London : A 19-year-old British student was remanded in custody Wednesday after being charged with planning acts of terrorism.
Andrew Ibrahim, described as a Muslim convert, is accused of possessing explosive substances and articles for terrorist purposes as well as an intent to commit terrorism.
The teenager was arrested on April 17, after which three controlled explosions were carried out at his flat in Westbury-on-Trym, a Bristol suburb, in western England.
Local Muslim leader Farooq Siddique has said that Ibrahim was “not known” to Bristol’s Muslim community. He reportedly just moved into the area weeks before his arrest.
Converts have figured prominently in a number of terrorism trials in Britain, including two out of six jailed for supporting and funding terrorism earlier this month.
The teenager is reported to be the son of a medical consultant and was educated at one of Bristol’s top independent schools.
The local Avon and Somerset Police said he had been accused of possessing Hexamethalyene Triperoxide Diamine, also known as HMTD – an explosive organic chemical compound. He was also charged with possessing two home-made vests, ball bearings and air gun pellets.
He is due next to appear in court on May 23, although his trial is not expected to be held for another year or more.