BA computer expert in court on terrorism charges

A British Airways computer expert alleged to have offered himself as a suicide bomber appeared in court today.

Bangladesh-born Rajib Karim, 30, from Clarendon Mews, Brunton Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne, appeared at Winchester Crown Court charged with four offences under terrorism legislation.

Flanked by three security guards, Karim, who was wearing a black fleece jacket, did not enter pleas to the charges.

He was remanded in custody by Mr Justice Royce until a further hearing at Bristol Crown Court on November 18.

A trial date was also set for January 12 next year at Woolwich Crown Court with a time scale of six to eight weeks.

Karim faces two charges of engaging in conduct in the preparation of terrorist acts under the 2006 Terrorism Act.

He is also accused of one count of fundraising for the purpose of terrorism and one count of possessing a record containing terrorist material, both under the Terrorism Act 2000.

All four offences are alleged to have taken place between April 2006 and February this year.

Karim was arrested by officers from Scotland Yard's Counter Terrorism Command, working with colleagues in the north east of England, on February 25 this year.

They swooped on the office complex where he worked in Newcastle as a computer software developer and searched his home in the city.