Mr Siddique is on trial at the High Court in Glasgow

Mohammed Atif Siddique, from Alva in Clackmannanshire, is facing a total of five charges, which he denies.

Former deputy head teacher at Alva Academy, Alexander Donoghue, said the 21-year-old had an excellent attendance record and was respectful to staff.

The charges against him include possessing articles useful to a person preparing for an act of terrorism.

'Quiet boy'

The jury at the High Court in Glasgow heard Mr Siddique was a pupil at the secondary school between August 1997 and March 2002, where he had gained seven Standard Grade qualifications.

Mr Donoghue had taught him in computing and social education.

He said: "He was a very quiet boy, always very well turned out, very respectful, but not a very high academic achiever."

Mr Donoghue said that Mr Siddique had not come to anyone's attention during his time at the school.

He added: "I would say that he was above average in terms of attitude, always wore his uniform, very polite and courteous to staff."

Mr Donoghue also told the court Mr Siddique had grown a beard by the next time they met in 2006, but agreed it was not unusual for former pupils to change their appearance after leaving the school.

Mr Siddique was arrested in Alva on 13 April last year.

He has been charged with three offences under the Terrorism Act of 2000, one under the 2006 act and a breach of the peace.

They include possessing articles useful to a person preparing for an act of terrorism, such as instructions on bomb-making and guerrilla tactics.

He has also been accused of putting details on websites to encourage terrorism.

Internet sites

The first charge claims that between 1 March, 2003, and 13 April, 2006, he had articles "in circumstances which gave rise to a reasonable suspicion that they were connected with the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism".

He allegedly committed this offence at his Alva home, at Ibrox public library, Glasgow Metropolitan College and Glasgow Airport.

The second charge alleges that he collected material and recorded information which could have been used in terrorism.

Mr Siddique was charged after being arrested in Alva last year

The third charge relates to allegations that he committed a breach of the peace between 1 September, 2003, and 30 September, 2005.

Mr Siddique has been accused of showing students at Glasgow Metropolitan College images of suicide bombers and beheadings by terrorists.

He also allegedly threatened to become a suicide bomber and carry out acts of terrorism in Glasgow or elsewhere and claimed to be a member of al-Qaeda.

The fourth charge alleges that between 1 September, 2003, and 13 April, 2006, he provided instruction on using or making firearms and explosives on three internet websites he owned.

The fifth and final charge alleges that Mr Siddique distributed terrorist publications on the sites to encourage acts of terrorism on 13 April, 2006.

Mr Siddique is being defended by Donald Findlay QC, with Scotland's senior advocate depute, Brian McConnachie QC, leading the prosecution.

The trial, before Lord Carloway, continues.