Youth in court on terror charges

A teenager accused of plotting to blow up members of the British National Party has appeared in court.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court in London to face two charges under the Terrorism Act 2000.

He was arrested at an address in the Dewsbury area of West Yorkshire on Monday.

It is alleged he had in his possession a copy of the Anarchists' Cookbook that contains instructions about how to make home-made explosives.

The charges are that he was in possession of material for terrorist purposes in October last year and that he collected or had information useful in the preparation of an act of terrorism.

The teenager, who is a British national but has dual nationality with Pakistan, said nothing other than to confirm his name and date of birth, before prosecuting counsel Piers Arnold outlined the evidence before Judge Daphne Wickham.

He ruled that the offences were not within the remit of the magistrates court and set a date for a committal hearing on October 25th.

After the 40-minute hearing, the teenager was released on bail under several conditions.

These included reporting daily to police, living at his home address, only leaving home in the company of a named adult, and not being allowed to access a computer, use an internet cafe, or use a mobile phone.

A second 17-year-old facing similar charges, who has already been remanded in custody but cannot be named, will also appear for committal to the Crown Court on October 25.

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