Oliver Bel, 23, who graduated with a degree in Mathematics from Cambridge last summer, pleaded ‘not guilty’ in a plea hearing at Manchester Crown Court on Wednesday (01/07).

In April, Bel was charged with two offences. Wednesday’s indictment pertained only to one count which is Collecting Information contrary to Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

This section of the terrorism act concerns the possession of information and documents which may ‘be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism’.

Bel is accused of possessing a terrorism and bomb-making manual last November.

Bel, who is originally from Salford in Greater Manchester, was not required to attend a pre-trial preparation hearing on 12th June.

After first appearing at London’s Old Bailey on 24th April, where he confirmed his name and nationality, Bel was granted conditional bail.

The trial will be held at Manchester Crown Court from 2nd November.