London tube attack suspect remanded in custody

One of the alleged failed July 21 suicide bombers Hussain Osman was remanded in custody today following his first appearance in a British court.

Osman, 27, sat impassively in the dock as he was read seven charges relating to the alleged attacks on the London Underground system.

A tight security operation surrounded the hearing at Bow Street Magistrates Court which sat at the Belmarsh prison complex in south east London.

District Judge Timothy Workman remanded Osman in custody until December 8 when he will appear at the Old Bailey with his alleged co-conspirators.

Osman appeared in court dressed in a freshly laundered dark grey button-up shirt with a black T-shirt underneath, dark trousers and shoes and was flanked by security guards.

He nodded to confirm his identity, answered “yes” when asked to confirm his date of birth, then spoke to tell the court that he had no current address.

The clerk of the court read seven charges to Osman.

The first alleges that he attempted to murder passengers on the London Underground system and the second alleges that he conspired with others to murder passengers on the Underground.

The third charge alleges that Osman conspired with others to cause an explosion likely to endanger life or cause serious injury to property.

The fourth alleges that he unlawfully and maliciously made or had in his possession explosives with intent to endanger life.

The fifth charge alleges that Osman made an explosive substance under such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable suspicion that he did not have it in his possession or under his control for a lawful object.

The sixth is a similar charge under Section 4 of the explosive substances act.

The seventh alleges that Osman had in his possession explosives which gave rise to a reasonable suspicion that his possession was for a purpose connected with the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism.

Osman did not enter a plea to any of the charges.

Mr Workman told him: “I’m sending your case to the Central Criminal Court. The first hearing that will take place there is on December 8 and I am remanding you in custody until then.”

Osman spoke to confirm that he understood, before being led from the dock by security guards.