A COVENTRY PhD student has been found guilty of preparing acts of terrorism after building a drone specifically to transport an explosive or chemical weapon into enemy territory for ISIS.
The Birmingham Crown Court jury heard how Mohamad Al-Bared made the drone, with component parts for the device made on his 3D printer found at his home address.
The 26-year-old of Kare Road in Coventry was arrested in the city on January 31 as his home address was raided by officers who seized the drone, 3D printer and several devices including phones and laptop.
Following intricate analysis, detectives revealed a series of conversations on his devices clearly demonstrating his support for ISIS as well as extremist material and violent propaganda videos.
Detectives also found notebooks detailing chemical equations and recipes for chemical weapons during a search of his address.
Despite Al-Bared having studied mechanical and chemical engineering, it was clear the chemicals referenced were to be used as weapons rather than as part of his studies.
His devices also documented conversations on how he had researched and worked out how to get the drone into a war zone without being stopped by authorities.
He had also set up a spoof company so he could pretend to be travelling on business.
Al-Bared will be sentenced on November 27.
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands, Det Chief Sdt Mark Payne said: “Al-Bared was a calculated individual and coupled with his education and expertise in mechanical and chemical engineering he was clearly very dangerous.
“He has made a purpose-built drone able to carry explosives or chemicals to be used as a weapon in a war zone, thankfully he was unable to continue his efforts following his swift arrest earlier this year.
“The jury heard how security conscious he was going to great lengths to try to hide anything that might lead to his identification.
“Today’s verdict means a dangerous individual has been taken off our streets, there is no place in our society for individuals intent on participating in terrorist activity.
“We will continue to work with partners and the CPS to protect our communities by pursuing and prosecuting such individuals.
“We work tirelessly to counter terrorism. Our absolute priority is to ensure the safety and security of the people who live, work and visit the West Midlands area.”
