Life sentence for cafe bomber
- 00:01:55
- ITN
Life sentence for cafe bomber
A Muslim convert who carried out a failed suicide attack in an Exeter restaurant has been sentenced to life in prison. Nicky Reilly, 22, will serve a minimum of 18 years after he accidentally set off a home-made nail bomb in a toilet cubicle as he prepared to target dozens of innocent customers. Reilly, described as the "least cunning" person ever to have been charged with terrorism, injured only himself in the blast in May last year. He has since pleaded guilty to attempted murder and preparing an act of terrorism but sentencing was delayed for the preparation of psychiatric reports. Reilly, of King Street, Plymouth, Devon, suffers from Asperger's syndrome and has learning difficulties. The Old Bailey heard he decided to carry out his attack on the Giraffe restaurant after being encouraged by others on the internet. He had intended to run out into the packed dining area holding three bottles, filled with caustic soda, kerosene, and nails, to his stomach. But he got stuck in the toilet as he prepared the blast, leaving one of the bottles to go off before he could leave the cubicle. The explosion sent dozens of restaurant customers fleeing in panic and the bomber staggered out suffering serious facial injuries. Reilly had converted to Islam between 2002 and 2003 and was soon telling others about his interest in jihad, the court heard.
ITN | January 30, 2009
