Muslim convert in hoax bomb trial

A Muslim convert accused of leaving a hoax bomb on a bus in South Yorkshire had developed an interest in Islamic extremism, a court heard.

Nicholas Roddis of Reedham Drive in Bramley, Rotherham, allegedly planted the fake device complete with wires and a clock on a bus in May last year.

Leeds Crown Court heard the 22-year-old was very interested in "radical and extremist Islamic violence".

He is on trial charged with engaging in preparations for acts of terrorism.

Mr Roddis is also charged with placing a hoax bomb on a bus and six counts of possessing an article for terrorist purposes and three of collecting information to use for terrorist purposes.

He denies all charges.

The jury heard police discovered railway detonators and literature on bomb making and religious extremism at Mr Roddis' home when it was searched.

It was also revealed the defendant had a poster on his wall of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, an al Qaida leader killed in Iraq.

Prosecuting barristers allege Mr Roddis had shown work colleagues video clips of hostages in Iraq being beheaded and soldiers caught in bomb attacks.