Psychologist: Man sought ricin after watching 'Breaking Bad'


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LONDON (AP) — A psychologist says a British software programmer who tried to buy ricin over the Internet got the idea from watching "Breaking Bad."

Mohammed Ali allegedly contacted a U.S. seller about buying 500 milligrams of the poison for $500. The contact was an undercover FBI agent, and Ali was arrested in February after he was sent a toy car containing a harmless powder that purported to be ricin.

The 31-year-old Ali denies attempting to possess a chemical weapon. Psychologist Alison Beck told a London jury Thursday that the idea of obtaining ricin "was implanted in his brain having watched the series 'Breaking Bad.'"

In the TV show, drug lord Walter White kills a rival with ricin-laced tea.

Prosecutors say police have found no evidence suggesting Ali was associated with terrorism.

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