A London Metropolitan University student arrested in a dramatic counter-terrorism operation in Holloway Road planted a “viable” home-made ball-bearing bomb on the tube, a court heard yesterday (Thursday).

Damon Smith, 19, left the device in a rucksack on a Jubilee line train last Thursday, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard.

Two passengers ­handed the bag to the driver before he noticed the device inside. He alerted the police at North Greenwich and the station was evacuated.

Mr Smith was tackled by armed police officers and Tasered close to Holloway Road tube station just after noon on Friday.

Prosecutor Kathryn Selby said his improvised device did not go off because the initiator failed.

Mr Smith, who has mild Asperger’s syndrome, lives with his mother in South Bermondsey. He waved and smiled to her as he entered court. She called out in distress from the public gallery as the case against him was outlined.

Mr Smith, who did not enter a plea, has been charged under the Explosive Substances Act 1883 with making or owning an explosive substance with intent to injure or endanger lives. He was remanded in custody until a hearing at the Old Bailey on November 17.

• Keywords
  STUDENTS (HIGHER AND FURTHER EDUCATION), EXPLOSIVES MANUFACTURE, UNDERGROUND STATIONS
• Geographical keyword
  ISLINGTON (LONDON BOROUGH)
• Persons keyword
  London Metropolitan University, Damon Smith