Muslim convert denies bomb plots in Australia

A British-born Muslim convert denies plotting to bomb Israeli diplomatic buildings in Australia.

A British-born Muslim convert denies plotting to bomb Israeli diplomatic buildings in Australia.

Australian citizen Mr Jack Roche denied the charges when he appeared in court in Perth.

Mr Roche's lawyer, Mr Robert Mazza, said his client will plead not guilty to two charges of conspiracy to bomb diplomatic premises.

Mr Roche (49) says he trained with Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network in Afghanistan. But he denies planning bomb attacks on the Israeli Embassy in Canberra and the Israeli Consulate in Sydney. "He disavows violence," Mr Mazza said.

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Mr Roche recently told the Australiannewspaper he had been trained in the use of explosives when he visited Afghanistan two years ago.Prosecutor Mr Martyn Plummer said Mr Roche was charged with conspiring while in Malaysia, Pakistan and Afghanistan between February 15th and May 26th, 2000, to damage, by fire or explosives, diplomatic property in Australia, and to harm diplomatic personnel.

Mr Roche was remanded in custody until November 27th when he is due to make an application for bail.