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Newcastle man pleads guilty to overseas terrorism charges

Fatah Mohammed Abdullah, from Newcastle, has pleaded guilty to Terrorism Offences following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East.

The 35-year-old pleaded guilty at a hearing at Liverpool Crown Court to engaging in conduct in preparation for giving effect to an intention to assist others to commit terrorist acts, contrary to Section 5 (1) (b) of the Terrorism Act 2006 and to inciting terrorism overseas contrary to section 59 (1) and (2) of the Terrorism Act 2000.

He pleaded guilty to assisting others in Germany to commit acts of terrorism in the Federal Republic of Germany. Police officers have since uncovered vast amounts of material on Abdullah’s digital devices showing his affiliation and support for ISIS and extreme violence. He also had content about the 2013 attack in Boston on his devices and had researched the attack and methods used to harm innocent civilians.

Detective Chief Superintendent Martin Snowden said: “Abdullah had taken very real and significant steps to plan an attack. He had purchased vast amounts of matches and fireworks and other component elements to develop an IED. He prepared and tested a detonation system in order to show others how to create and use the system to cause an explosion in Germany and cause significant harm to innocent people.

“While our investigation did not establish the target of a potential attack, Abdullah posed a very real risk. We cannot underestimate the significant harm and loss of life that could have occurred as result of his actions.  We’re grateful we were able to disrupt these plans before there was the opportunity to see them through.”

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