Sulla Bomber

Bomb plot' man makes court appearance

A man appeared in court today accused of preparing for a terrorist bomb attack. Hassan Muhammed Sabri Al Tabbakh, 38, is accused of compiling a document with instructions on how to make a bomb. The Old Bailey heard that Al Tabbakh, of Camelot Way, Small Heath, Birmingham, is also accused of stockpiling chemicals for the device. Mr Justice Calvert-Smith adjourned the case for a plea and case management hearing on May 16.

He said any trial may be transferred to the Midlands, possibly to be held at Birmingham Crown Court. Al Tabbakh, who is of Syrian origin, appeared in court via video link. He spoke only to confirm his name.

He was arrested by counter-terrorism police near his home in Birmingham in December. He was later charged under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.

It is alleged that he compiled and retained a document with instructions for making and detonating a bomb and obtained chemicals for the device.

There was no application for bail.