Podiatrist plots bomb attack on Islamic centre

A podiatrist pleaded guilty on Thursday to plotting a bomb attack on an Islamic centre in Florida to avenge the 2001 terrorist atrocities.

Robert Goldstein pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate civil rights, attempt to damage religious property and a gun possession charge.

If the judge accepts the plea arrangement, Goldstein faces between 12 and 15 years in prison.

Lawyer Myles Malman said Goldstein suffers from severe mental illness, and part of the agreement involves him being sent to a federal institution for treatment.

“This plea will help Dr Goldstein put behind him an extremely tumultuous, troubling and stressful time in his life,” Malman said.

He entered his plea about five weeks after his estranged wife, Kristi, pleaded guilty to illegally possessing five unlicensed bombs and agreed to testify against him. A friend, dentist Michael Hardee, also pleaded guilty earlier to being the would-be getaway driver and was co-operating with investigators.

Goldstein was arrested last August after police in St Petersburg found an arsenal at his home and a detailed plan that called for planting home-made bombs and use of powerful automatic weapons to destroy the Islamic Society of Pinellas County’s mosque and cultural centre.

They removed more than 30 explosive devices from the house, including light-armour rockets and hand grenades.