Posted on 08/22/2007 3:22:04 PM PDT by Caledonia2007
A student on trial accused of terror offences has been described as a "model pupil" by a former teacher.
Mohammed Atif Siddique, from Alva in Clackmannanshire, is facing a total of five charges, which he denies.
Former deputy head teacher at Alva Academy, Alexander Donoghue, said the 21-year-old had an excellent attendance record and was respectful to staff. The charges against him include possessing articles useful to a person preparing for an act of terrorism.
The jury at the High Court in Glasgow heard Mr Siddique was a pupil at the secondary school between August 1997 and March 2002, where he had gained seven Standard Grade qualifications. Mr Donoghue had taught him in computing and social education.
Mr Donoghue said that Mr Siddique had not come to anyone's attention during his time at the school. He added: "I would say that he was above average in terms of attitude, always wore his uniform, very polite and courteous to staff."
Mr Donoghue also told the court Mr Siddique had grown a beard by the next time they met in 2006, but agreed it was not unusual for former pupils to change their appearance after leaving the school.
Mr Siddique was arrested in Alva on 13 April last year. He has been charged with three offences under the Terrorism Act of 2000, one under the 2006 act and a breach of the peace.
They include possessing articles useful to a person preparing for an act of terrorism, such as instructions on bomb-making and guerrilla tactics. He has also been accused of putting details on websites to encourage terrorism.
The first charge claims that between 1 March, 2003, and 13 April, 2006, he had articles "in circumstances which gave rise to a reasonable suspicion that they were connected with the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism".
He allegedly committed this offence at his Alva home, at Ibrox public library, Glasgow Metropolitan College and Glasgow Airport. The second charge alleges that he collected material and recorded information which could have been used in terrorism.
The third charge relates to allegations that he committed a breach of the peace between 1 September, 2003, and 30 September, 2005. Mr Siddique has been accused of showing students at Glasgow Metropolitan College images of suicide bombers and beheadings by terrorists.
He also allegedly threatened to become a suicide bomber and carry out acts of terrorism in Glasgow or elsewhere and claimed to be a member of al-Qaeda.
The fourth charge alleges that between 1 September, 2003, and 13 April, 2006, he provided instruction on using or making firearms and explosives on three internet websites he owned.
The fifth and final charge alleges that Mr Siddique distributed terrorist publications on the sites to encourage acts of terrorism on 13 April, 2006. Mr Siddique is being defended by Donald Findlay QC, with Scotland's senior advocate depute, Brian McConnachie QC, leading the prosecution.
The trial, before Lord Carloway, continues.
When I was in public & High school, we were always suspicious of “model pupils”. This comes as no surprise ot most students. ;)
Got good grades in "social education," did he?
So what who cares what kind of character reference his former teacher is trying to give him. Reinhardt Heydrich was a doting father to his children and some SS officers were known to be moved to tears at concerts given by death camp inmates. Never stopped them from being evil incarnate.
I hope these Brits never go through my garage. I'd be charged for sure. And if they ever got at my reloading bench they'd faint dead away.
L
I think if a teacher is asked in court if a pupil was good at school - he must tell the truth - regardless of what he did later.
That is what makes us civilised. We look at the facts rather than use our opinions or assumptions.
Even Goering had a fair trial before he topped himself.
Next challenge?
Are you muslim and hanging out here with an expired student or tourist visa?
Just asking.
The British aren’t allowed to have that kind of stuff at all, probably.
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