This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-38767356
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Nottingham Asda worker guilty of terrorist charges | Nottingham Asda worker guilty of terrorist charges |
(35 minutes later) | |
An Asda worker has been found guilty of trying to join a Islamist terrorist group in the Philippines. | |
Ryan Counsell, 28, a Muslim convert from Nottingham, had denied four charges, including having possession of an al-Qaeda bomb-making guide. | Ryan Counsell, 28, a Muslim convert from Nottingham, had denied four charges, including having possession of an al-Qaeda bomb-making guide. |
He planned to join Philippines-based terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, which is affiliated with so-called Islamic State (IS), Woolwich Crown Court heard. | He planned to join Philippines-based terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, which is affiliated with so-called Islamic State (IS), Woolwich Crown Court heard. |
He did not show any emotion as the jury returned its verdict. | He did not show any emotion as the jury returned its verdict. |
Updates on this story and more from Nottinghamshire | Updates on this story and more from Nottinghamshire |
The married father, who worked at the Hyson Green branch of Asda, claimed his interest in the Philippines was because he wanted to live "off grid". | The married father, who worked at the Hyson Green branch of Asda, claimed his interest in the Philippines was because he wanted to live "off grid". |
He also said he downloaded IS videos, some of which showed beheadings, so he could analyse and write articles about them out of a "business interest". | He also said he downloaded IS videos, some of which showed beheadings, so he could analyse and write articles about them out of a "business interest". |
However, at Counsell's home in Forest Fields, police also discovered an article about how to make a bomb. | However, at Counsell's home in Forest Fields, police also discovered an article about how to make a bomb. |
Officers also found military equipment and clothing to protect against shrapnel from explosions, some of which was inside a suitcase in a child's bedroom. | Officers also found military equipment and clothing to protect against shrapnel from explosions, some of which was inside a suitcase in a child's bedroom. |
Det Supt Simon Atkinson, of the North East Counter Terrorism Unit, said "immediate action" was taken to stop Counsell. | |
He said: "He [could have put] himself in danger and others in danger over there. He could then return with his ideas and ideology, training equipment and commit terrorist acts." | |
The court heard Counsell converted to Islam at 21 and taught himself about the religion from extremist websites. | |
Adam Deen, managing director at Quilliam, a counter-extremism think tank, said: "Converts are vulnerable to radicalisation because they are quite isolated and they only know of Islam what the extremist recruiters will tell them. | |
"Whereas if you look at, for example, a young Muslim, he may have family members that will be able to educate him and give him a counter narrative if you like, but in the case of a convert, that doesn't exist." |
Previous version
1
Next version