Student admits Afghan terror bid

The defendants were arrested at Heathrow Airport in April

A British student has admitted attempting to fly to Afghanistan in a bid to join mujahideen fighters.

Mohammed Abushamma, 20, from Islington, north London, pleaded guilty to preparing acts of terrorism between 17 March and 18 April 2008.

He had been arrested at Heathrow airport with co-accused Qasim Abukar, 20, who denies the same charges.

At the Old Bailey, Mr Justice Calvert-Smith remanded Abushamma on conditional bail, to be sentenced at a later date.

'Lengthy negotiations'

Abushamma and Abukar, from Tufnell Park, north London, were held on their return to England from Turkey on 22 April.

They had flown to Ankara, but left voluntarily after British and Turkish officials spoke to them.

It is believed that they had applied for visas to go to Afghanistan.

Alison Morgan, for the prosecution, said Abushamma's plea had been entered after "lengthy negotiations".

Defence advocate Imran Khan requested that Abushamma's bail continue.

"He is now studying at university and is doing well," he said.

Mr Justice Calvert-Smith ordered a pre-sentence report but warned: "It must deal with every option being likely and also with the risk to the public."

In another hearing, Abukar was remanded on conditional bail. He is expected to face trial in the Spring.