NINE CHARGED WITH CONSPIRACY TO CAUSE EXPLOSIONS IN THE UK

NINE CHARGED WITH CONSPIRACY TO CAUSE EXPLOSIONS IN THE UK

Nine men have tonight been charged with conspiracy to cause explosions in the UK, and with terrorism offences.

This follows a series of dawn arrests, coordinated by the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit, last Monday (20 Dec).

Three of the men aged 24, 26 and 28 are from Cardiff, two aged 20 and 28 from London, and four aged 19, 25, 26 and 26 are from Stoke-on-Trent.

The men will appear at the City of Westminster Magistrates Court in the morning (Monday Dec 27).

Sue Hemming, head of the Crown Prosecution Service Counter Terrorism Division, said: “I have today advised the police that nine men should be charged with conspiracy to cause explosions and with engaging in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism with the intention of either committing acts of terrorism, or assisting another to commit such acts.

“Lawyers from the CPS Counter Terrorism Division have been working with the police on this case from an early stage and were on hand to give advice while the men were interviewed.

“I have reviewed the evidence provided to me by the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit and I am satisfied there is sufficient for a realistic prospect of conviction, and it is in the public interest that these men should be charged with these offences.

“I must remind the media to take care in reporting events surrounding this case. These men have been charged with serious offences and are entitled to a fair trial. It is extremely important that nothing should be reported which could prejudice any trial.”

Three other men arrested - two from Cardiff and one from London - have been released without charge.

Details of the charges are as follows:

CONSPIRACY TO CAUSE AN EXPLOSION, contrary to section 3(1) (a) of the Explosive Substances Act 1883.

PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE: on diverse days between 1 day of October and 20 day of November 2010 unlawfully and maliciously conspired together and with others to cause by an explosive substance an explosion or explosions of a nature likely to endanger life or cause serious injury to property in the United Kingdom.

ENGAGING IN CONDUCT IN PREPARATION FOR ACTS OF TERRORISM, contrary to section 5(1) of the Terrorism Act 2006.

PARTICULARS OF OFFENCE: on diverse days between the 1 day of October and 20 day of December 2010, with the intention of committing an act or acts of terrorism, engaged in conduct in preparation for giving effect to that intention, namely and including, downloading, researching, obtaining and discussing materials and methods; researching, discussing, carrying out reconnaissance on, and agreeing potential targets; travelling to and attending meetings; igniting and testing incendiary material.