Mohamed Al Bared, an engineering student from Coventry, has been sentenced to life in prison for building a drone intended for use by the so-called Islamic State terror group. The device, which was found with a 3D printer capable of making parts for it, was designed to deliver a bomb or chemical weapon. The judge presiding over the case stated that Al Bared was a “committed extremist” and remained a supporter of Islamic State, and that the public required protection from him.
Al Bared had denied supporting the terrorist organisation, however, conversations and digital material found on his devices demonstrated his support for the group. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which had a range of up to 5km, was discovered alongside a mobile phone when Al Bared was arrested in January of this year. The discovery led to the uncovering of encrypted online chats and other digital material, which the prosecution argued showed Al Bared’s intention to create the drone for terrorist purposes.
The court heard that Al Bared had planned to develop a video-transmitting fixed-wing drone for terrorist purposes, before travelling to West Africa via Turkey. Prosecutors argued that the device was designed to deliver a chemical weapon or some other kind of device in IS enemy territory. Written material related to the drone build process was presented to jurors during the trial, with the prosecution stating that the idea for the device was “somewhat inspired by the design of the Tomahawk missile.”
Prior to sentencing, Al Bared’s barrister applied unsuccessfully for the case to be adjourned for further consideration of psychiatric reports. Al Bared was subsequently sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division stated that Al Bared was “a highly dangerous individual” who had been taken off the streets
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