A terror suspect had to be wrestled out of the dock during the closing speech of his trial as he protested suggestions that he was anti-British.

Muhamed Abu, 32, swore at the prosecutor, John McGuinness QC, as he was dragged from the Old Bailey courtroom on Thursday, insisting he had “nothing against Britannia”.

His comments came in response to Mr McGuinness’ closing statement in which he questioned whether the jury could believe the defendant had no animosity toward the UK.

Mr Abu, from South Norwood, London, is accused of failing to inform police of an act of terrorism that he is alleged to have known was being planned by his brother, 27-year-old Sahayb Abu.

The pair had previously been caught on CCTV at an east London takeaway looking at swords on an iPad.

During the trial, the jury heard how Sahayb Abu, from Dagenham, east London, bought an 18in (47cm) gladiator-style sword, a combat vest, two balaclavas, fingerless gloves and a combat-style hat.

He denies these items were brought as part of a terror plot, insisting they were “props” for a drill rap video.

Muhamed Abu also rejects the accusation that he failed to disclose information of an act of terrorism.

After his arrest, Muhamed is said to have told police that he loves the UK and the Western lifestyle, having moved to Britain from Somalia as a toddler.

He said he “strongly believes in the Magna Carta”, describes himself as a “one-nation Tory, as Boris Johnson describes himself”, and that he does not subscribe to a philosophy of bloodshed and violence.

Referencing this, Mr McGuinness said on Thursday: “He told the police that he was anti-violence, the opposite of a terrorist, and had no animosity toward the UK,” before the prosecutor then highlighted a “poster incident” from 2017.

Jurors heard this involved the two defendants and an older brother, Ahmed Aweys, putting up posters about “British terror” on Ilford High Road in east London.

On the poster is said to be a red poppy with a skull and Union Flag in the centre. Five black aeroplanes cross the image.

The message alongside reads: “Britain uses your tax money to kill Muslims in Muslim lands. British terror. Lest we forget. Don’t betray your Ummah [community]!”

But Muhamed, who has not given evidence, protested Mr McGuinness’ point from the dock, saying the posters were “against the government, not the British people.”

He added: “It was against the government, you p****. The government has changed since then. I have got nothing against Britannia.”

As he was then wrestled from the courtroom, his brother interjected: “Your honour, he’s got autism. Relax, Muhamed.”

The room was briefly cleared before both defendants were brought back inside, where the judge told the jury there were “always stresses and strains” in court.

“I want you to move on, forget about that,” the judge said. “Emotions get very high in any trial.”

The trial continues.

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