A PALESTINIAN student living in the North-East has appeared in court facing charges under the Terrorism Act.

Adnan Abdelah, 21, is accused of being a member of the banned Islamic terror organisation, Hamas.

The drama and English student, who attends North Tyneside College, pleaded not guilty to being a member of the Izz Al-Din Al-Qassem Brigade between April 20 and December 11, last year.

At a brief hearing at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday, he also denied professing to be a member of the organisation and a charge of intimidation.

The illegal organisation, which was set up in 1987, is said to be responsible for a series of suicide bombings and mortar attacks during the Palestine-Israeli conflict.

Abdelah, of Bavington Drive, Fenham, Newcastle, was remanded in custody and will be tried on May 7.