British man charged with directing Somalian terror group

He was also charged with three counts of attending an Al-Shabaab commando training camp in Kismayu in Somalia, contrary to Section 8 of the Terrorism Act 2006, and two counts of possession of an article (AK47) for terrorist purposes, contrary to Section 57 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

The charges follow an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London.

He is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court this morning.

Head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s special crime and counter terrorism division Frank Ferguson said: "We have decided to prosecute Jermaine Grant with directing the activities of a terrorist organisation, three counts of attending a place for terrorist purposes and two counts of possession of an article for terrorist purposes.

"The charges relate to Mr Grant’s alleged involvement in 2008 and 2009 with Al-Shabaab, a terrorist organisation operating in Somalia.

"Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings."

He continued: "We have worked closely with the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command as it carried out its investigation.

"We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.

"It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

Acting commander Kris Wright, of CTP London, said: "These are serious charges and come as the result of a long-running investigation

"This case shows we will always pursue anyone suspected of being involved in terrorist activity, no matter where in the world or how long ago it is alleged to have taken place."