Ulster Royal Marine Ciaran Maxwell admits terror offence

A Royal Marine from Northern Ireland has admitted hoarding explosives and making bombs for a Northern Ireland-related terror attack.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Feb 2017, 16:31 BST
Updated 3rd Feb 2017, 22:13 BST
Ciaran Maxwell, a Royal Marine from LarneCiaran Maxwell, a Royal Marine from Larne
Ciaran Maxwell, a Royal Marine from Larne

Ciaran Maxwell, 31, of Exminster, Devon, pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to preparation of terrorist acts between January 2011 and August 2016.

According to the charge details, he had a stash of explosives in purpose-built hides in England and Northern Ireland.

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He compiled a library of terrorism documents, including instructions on how to make explosives and tactics used by terrorist organisations.

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Ciaran Maxwell appearing via video-link from Belmarsh prison at the Old Bailey, London, during a preliminary hearing. The 31 year old of Exminster, Devon, has pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to preparing for a terrorist attack by stashing explosives in purpose-built caches in England and Northern Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Friday February 3, 2017. See PA story COURTS Somerset. Photo credit should read: Elizabeth Cook/PA WireCourt artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Ciaran Maxwell appearing via video-link from Belmarsh prison at the Old Bailey, London, during a preliminary hearing. The 31 year old of Exminster, Devon, has pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to preparing for a terrorist attack by stashing explosives in purpose-built caches in England and Northern Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Friday February 3, 2017. See PA story COURTS Somerset. Photo credit should read: Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire
Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Ciaran Maxwell appearing via video-link from Belmarsh prison at the Old Bailey, London, during a preliminary hearing. The 31 year old of Exminster, Devon, has pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to preparing for a terrorist attack by stashing explosives in purpose-built caches in England and Northern Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Friday February 3, 2017. See PA story COURTS Somerset. Photo credit should read: Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire

He also had maps, plans and lists of potential targets for a terrorist attack and images of an adapted Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) pass card and a PSNI uniform.

He bought chemicals and components and went on to manufacture explosives and devices, the court heard.

Maxwell was also charged with possessing images of bank cards for fraud and possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

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He appeared before Mr Justice Sweeney at the Old Bailey via video link from Woodhill jail and spoke only to confirm his name and enter guilty pleas to all the charges.

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Ciaran Maxwell appearing via video-link from Belmarsh prison at the Old Bailey, London, during a preliminary hearing. The 31 year old of Exminster, Devon, has pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to preparing for a terrorist attack by stashing explosives in purpose-built caches in England and Northern Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Friday February 3, 2017. See PA story COURTS Somerset. Photo credit should read: Elizabeth Cook/PA WireCourt artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Ciaran Maxwell appearing via video-link from Belmarsh prison at the Old Bailey, London, during a preliminary hearing. The 31 year old of Exminster, Devon, has pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to preparing for a terrorist attack by stashing explosives in purpose-built caches in England and Northern Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Friday February 3, 2017. See PA story COURTS Somerset. Photo credit should read: Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire
Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Ciaran Maxwell appearing via video-link from Belmarsh prison at the Old Bailey, London, during a preliminary hearing. The 31 year old of Exminster, Devon, has pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to preparing for a terrorist attack by stashing explosives in purpose-built caches in England and Northern Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Friday February 3, 2017. See PA story COURTS Somerset. Photo credit should read: Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire

Maxwell was arrested on August 24 by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service’s counter-terrorism command, supported by Avon and Somerset and Devon and Cornwall Police.

He was remanded in custody to be sentenced on a date to be fixed.

Related topics:Northern IrelandUlsterOld BaileyDevonPolice Service of Northern IrelandEngland