Man in court accused of planning terrorist acts

A man has appeared in a Belfast court accused of gathering information for planned acts of terrorism.

Habib Shamel, 27, originally from Afghanistan, also allegedly had files stored on a USB stick which could have been used in any suspected plots.

Mr Shamel, who is currently being held in custody at HMP Maghaberry on unconnected, serious charges, was arrested again on Wednesday by detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

The detention followed an investigation into material seized in Belfast earlier this year.

'Information gathered on a pen drive'

Mr Shamel was brought before the city’s Magistrates' Court on Thursday to face three new charges as part of that probe.

He is accused of possessing articles for use in terrorism, namely a USB stick, and of having files on it containing information likely to be useful to terrorists.

A further count of preparation of terrorist acts relates to claims that he gathered information located on a pen drive.

The alleged offences were committed over a period between 10 February and 7 April this year.

Mr Shamel spoke only to confirm that he understood the charges.

A detective sergeant involved in the investigation said he could connect the accused to the case.

Questioned by a defence barrister, he predicted police will be ready to send a full file to the Public Prosecution Service after a final report is obtained next week.

No application for bail was mounted by Mr Shamel during the brief hearing.

Mr Sherrard said: “He’s in custody on another matter… unrelated but a serious charge.”

The judge remanded Mr Shamel in continuing custody until 26 September.