Recent Convert to Islam Arrested for Bombing

(Exeter, England) A 22-year-old recent convert to Islam, Nicky Reilly, was arrested after detonating at least one bomb in a busy shopping center during which he wounded himself.

Reilly has been described as being "preyed upon and radicalized" by jihadis and having the mental capacity of a 10-year-old.

Nicky Reilly, 22, received serious facial injuries after the device went off at lunchtime in a family restaurant at the new £230 million Princesshay shopping centre. Another device was defused by bomb disposal teams.

Tony Melville, Devon and Cornwall’s Deputy Chief Constable, said last night that Mr Reilly had been “preyed upon, radicalised and taken advantage of”. Mr Reilly’s neighbours said that he had been brainwashed. [ ... ]

Mr Reilly’s neighbours described him as “naive and easily lead”.

Daniel Turner, 20, said: ”He is mentally ill and he probably has the mental age of a ten-year-old.

“He changed his name to Mohammed Rasheed about a year ago at a registry office. He was brainwashed into becoming a Muslim by local men. He can’t think for himself.

“Nicky is schizophrenic. We call him the BFG, but he obviously met up with the wrong people.”

I'm guessing BFG stands for big-something-something. Police said there is concern that jihadis are taking advantage of mentally and physically disabled people. Reilly is under guard at a hospital.