(BBC) A PhD student accused of plotting to make a drone capable of delivering a bomb was “fascinated” by the Islamic State group because he wanted to argue against their views, a court has heard.
At Birmingham Crown Court, prosecutors have alleged Mohamad Al-Bared wanted to supply the terror group with a drone.
Defence barrister Alistair Webster KC [said] the group “fascinated” the 26-year-old but he wanted to “argue against it.”
Mr Al-Bared, from Coventry, has denied engaging in preparation for terrorism.
In his opening speech on the second day of the trial, Mr Webster told the jury that while “thoroughly repugnant” content, including videos of beheadings, was found on devices linked to the mechanical engineering graduate, it was there because he wanted to “debate” against the terror group’s views.
