February 15, 2019
An Iranian man has appeared in a London court accused of buying a knife and chemicals in preparation for a terror attack in the UK.
Fatah Mohammed Abdullah was surrounded by three police officers in the dock, suggesting how dangerous the police concluded he was.
The 33-year-old is alleged to have bought a knife, balaclava and “explosive pre-cursors” including chemicals, more than 8,000 matches and a number of fuses. He is also alleged to have searched online for components, including a pressure cooker, to make an explosive.
Abdullah, who represented himself, wore a grey tracksuit, sported dark stubble and sat with his hands clasped behind his neck for most of the hearing.
He faces one count of engaging, between April 9 and December 11, in the preparation of an act of terrorism, which was not described in his court appearance December 15.
Asked if there was anything he wanted to say, Abdullah replied: “I just want to go home.”
The court was told Abdullah came to the UK from Iran in 2005 and was granted permission to stay in 2010.