A BRITISH Airways computer expert from the North-East who allegedly offered to take advantage of a planned strike by cabin crew as part of a terror plot has appeared in court.

Bangladesh-born Rajib Karim, 30, of Newcastle, faced three charges under counter terrorism legislation.

He is accused of two counts of planning suicide bombings and his own martyrdom.

One charge involves the UK and the other alleges that he plotted with contacts in his home country, Pakistan and Yemen.

It is alleged that he deliberately stayed in Britain, obtaining a passport and getting a job at the airline to further the conspiracy.

Prosecutor Colin Gibbs told City of Westminster Magistrates' Court the charge sheet alleges he shared information about his work, including security measures, and offered to take advantage of planned strikes by BA staff to join the airline's cabin crew.

The computer expert also faced a third charge alleging he collected money and transferred it through trusted associates and wire services to terrorist associates overseas.

All three offences are alleged to have taken place between April 2006 and February this year.

Karim was arrested by officers from Scotland Yard's Counter Terrorism Command, working with colleagues in the North-East, on February 25.

District Judge Timothy Workman remanded Karim in custody and adjourned the case until March 26 at the Old Bailey.

Scotland Yard also arrested three men in Slough, Berkshire, during the inquiry. They were released without charge on Tuesday.