LONDON, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- A 22-year-old British convert to Islam says he planned and attempted a suicide bomb attack at a restaurant in Exeter, England.
Nicky Reilly, who goes by the name Mohammad Rashid Saeed-Alim, pleaded guilty Tuesday in London to attacking the Giraffe Restaurant in May, The Times of London reported.
Reilly, who reportedly has a low IQ and a history of mental illness, told the judge he used the Internet to figure out how to make bombs comprised of caustic soda, paraffin and nails but that when he tried to ignite one inside the restaurant, it blew up in his hands and inflicted serious facial injuries, the newspaper said.
Reilly, of Plymouth, England, appeared via video link from Britain's Belmarsh prison, where he was imprisoned on charges of attempted murder and engaging in preparation for terrorism. He pleaded guilty to two charges. Two charges under explosives laws weren't pursued.
Prosecutors said Reilly converted to Islam when he was 16 or 17 years old after that became increasingly drawn to violent action and to the idea of martyrdom, The Times said.
