'Depressed' terror suspect denied bail

A WEBSITE designer and Muslim convert who authorities believe promised Osama bin Laden he would perform jihad was severely depressed, alienated from society and suffering an alcohol disorder.

A WEBSITE designer and Muslim convert who authorities believe promised Osama bin Laden he would perform jihad was severely depressed, alienated from society and suffering an alcohol disorder.

And a court heard yesterday that Shane Kent was a senior member of a Melbourne terrorist organisation who had travelled extensively throughout the Muslim world and had trained at a terrorist camp in Afghanistan.

Mr Kent's globe-trotting lifestyle in the pursuit of Islam was laid before the Melbourne Magistrates Court yesterday as the picture of an aggressive, socially withdrawn young man emerged.

His lawyer argued that Mr Kent's psychological disorders were among the reasons he should be granted bail after formally being committed to stand trial on terrorist-related charges yesterday.

Forensic psychologist Patrick Newton said the conditions at Victoria's Barwon prison were exacerbating Mr Kent's pre-existing depressive illness.

Mr Kent, 29, allegedly undertook paramilitary training at a camp in Afghanistan and produced a propaganda video for al-Qa'ida.

Prosecutor Mark Dean said Mr Kent underwent weapons and explosives training at the al-Farooq camp in 2001, before the September 11 attacks in the US.

"It is the prosecution case that when Mr Kent left al-Farooq he had met bin Laden and that he had pledged in bin Laden's presence to carry out jihad," he said.

Mr Dean said Mr Kent had a "close, trusting" relationship with Islamic cleric Abdul Nacer Benbrika, the alleged leader of a group planning a terrorist attack on Australian soil.

"It is the prosecution case that Mr Kent is an important and senior member of the group of persons led by Mr Benbrika," Mr Dean said.

Mr Kent was refused bail after being committed to stand trial. Fellow suspect Aimen Joud also was committed. The pair pleaded not guilty, and will join 11 other Melbourne suspects who were committed to stand trial last month after a six-week hearing.

Mr Kent faces charges of being a member of a terrorist organisation, providing support to a terrorist organisation, namely al-Qa'ida, and other terrorism charges. Mr Joud was charged with providing support to a terrorist organisation, membership of a terrorist organisation and other terror-related charges.