Bomb Accused Teenager 'Blamed Newcastle College For Miserable Life'

Bomb Accused Teenager 'Blamed Newcastle College For Miserable Life'
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A teenager accused of plotting mass murder at his former college wrote a note on his laptop blaming the establishment for his "miserable life" and making him look a fool, a court heard.

In 19-year-old Liam Lyburd's deleted file, recovered by a computer specialist after his arrest, he said it was "beautiful" to think there were people walking around oblivious to the fact they were going to die that day.

The embittered former Newcastle College student had built up a collection of weapons and explosives at his home near the city's St James's Park stadium.

He has pleaded guilty to nine charges relating to making five pipe bombs and two home-made explosive devices, and possessing a 9mm Luger Glock gun, 94 jacketed hollow point expanding bullets and CS gas.

He denies eight charges of possessing those items with intent to endanger life.

Lyburd was arrested at home in November following a tip-off by a concerned member of the public.

Newcastle Crown Court has heard he was kicked out of college in 2012 after being disruptive in classes.

Analysis of his laptop found a file called "Newcastle College" which was created on October 30. Lyburd attempted to delete it on November 2 but the overwrite process failed and it was recovered by police computer expert Paul Wells.

Nick Dry, prosecuting, read out the note, which said: "I'll see you in Newcastle College today. It's my first day back since 2012 the year in which my life became miserable after being kicked out for nothing.

"I'll get my power back today haha. I'm just looking forward to getting out of the house after spending three years in my bedroom alone.

"I hold no grudge against Newcastle College - sarcasm. I hold them personally responsible for my miserable life, kicking me out for nothing and making me look a fool by not answering my message on Twitter and Facebook.

"You ruined my whole life, don't expect me to show any mercy today. No-one disrespects me and gets away with it. I will teach you a little lesson on respect with my 9mm hollow points ;).

"It's time for extreme civil disobedience. Fantasy will become reality for sure. Where the mind goes the body will follow and yes people will die there's no question about that.

"It's funny to think as I'm writing this the people that will die are walking around as if everything is normal, not knowing they're going to die today. It's a beautiful thought. Death is the termination of all biological functions that sustain a living organism."

It was signed Felix Theodore Burns, a name he also used.

Analysis of the laptop showed there was a clip from the film Tower Block, which showed a sniper shooting residents, Mr Wells said. The two-minute extract of blood-spattered victims falling as they were shot was played to the jury.

Mr Dry warned the jury of the "fairly graphic violence" before the clip was played.

Mr Wells found Lyburd's Toshiba computer was used to access a Dark Web marketplace site called Evolution. The username Donald Trump was used, the court heard.

Payment for items, apparently Glock parts and ammunition, was made in the online currency Bitcoin. Mr Wells said the exhange rate was around £180 for a Bitcoin.

The trial continues.