Ukrainian mosque terror suspect in court
A Ukrainian man charged with a 'terrorist-related' murder and causing three explosions near mosques in the Black Country has appeared in court today.
Pavlo Lapshyn, 25, appeared at the Old Bailey via video-link from Belmarsh prison in south east London in relation to the blasts in Walsall, Tipton and Wolverhampton as well as the murder of Mohammed Saleem, 82, in Birmingham in April.
His case was adjourned to August 2 when an application for bail is expected to be made.
The defendant, wearing black trousers and a black T-shirt, spoke only to confirm his name during the brief hearing.
Meanwhile, Lapshyn's father has spoken of his shock at his son's arrest and said he doesn't believe his son could kill.
Sergey Lapshyn described how his son arrived in the UK just five days before the April attack to begin a work placement with a software company.
"I just don't believe he could kill an old man," Mr Lapshyn said. "It doesn't make sense and I don't believe he was involved in the explosions either."
