WA: Alleged bomb plotter to plead not guilty
By Liza Kappelle
PERTH, Dec 11 AAP - A Muslim convert appeared handcuffed in a Perth court today chargedover plotting in Malaysia, Pakistan and Afghanistan to blow up Israeli diplomatic postsin Australia.
British-born Australian Jack Roche, 49, is charged with two counts of conspiring betweenFebruary 15 and May 26, 2000, to bomb the Israeli Embassy in Canberra and Israel's consulatein Sydney.
The Crown has alleged Roche plotted in Malaysia, Pakistan and Afghanistan to damagethese diplomatic missions by fire or explosives, and, as a consequence, to harm diplomaticstaff.
Amid tight security today, a handcuffed and bearded Roche made a brief appearance inthe Perth magistrates court, where he did not apply for bail.
His lawyer Robert Mazza said Roche intended to plead not guilty.
"My client has indicated he will enter a plea of not guilty," Mr Mazza told the court.
Roche was remanded in custody until February 12 when he is expected to formally enter his plea.
He was arrested on November 18, just weeks after his home was raided by ASIO as partof a major nationwide investigation into the possible presence of south-east Asian terrornetwork Jemaah Islamiah (JI) in Australia.
If found guilty, Roche faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in jail for plotting todamage property, and 45 years for conspiring to harm diplomatic staff.
AAP lk/sd/ldj/sb
KEYWORD: TERROR ROCHE
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