Man admits failed suicide attack on restaurant

A man pleaded guilty to attempted murder and terrorism offences today after a failed suicide bomb attack on a restaurant in Devon earlier this year.

Nicky Reilly, 22, a convert to Islam, suffered serious injuries when a homemade bomb exploded as he tried to assemble it in the restaurant's toilet.

He was arrested when he staggered outside the Giraffe restaurant in Exeter in May.

He also admitted a charge of engaging in preparation for terrorism at the Old Bailey, the Press Association said.

Reilly used the Internet to research how to make bombs using caustic soda, paraffin and nails. He had prepared three.

Kerim Fuad, defending, told the court: "His plan was to run out of the cubicle with all three bombs.

"There is much I wish to advance on behalf of this defendant's unusual and complex personal background which led to this ugly and dangerous incident."

Reilly was remanded in custody for sentencing on November 21.