The trial of one of 15 suspects charged in the alleged Toronto bomb plot of 2006 began Tuesday in a courtroom in Brampton, Ont.  

The Crown previewed the evidence it plans to present — calling it "shocking and sensational" — and requested a publication ban on evidence that could prejudice the right to a fair trial for his alleged co-conspirators.

The accused, who was 18 at the time of his arrest and cannot be named under the terms of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, pleaded not guilty.

He is charged with participating in and contributing to the activity of a terrorist group.

Crown prosecutors said they will present evidence that proves he attended a training camp where he participated in military exercises and firearms training.

The Crown asked for a partial publication ban to prevent the media from linking evidence at the trial to the identities of other suspects.

Crown attorney Marco Mendicino said the evidence to be presented in court is "palpably prejudicial" and could destroy any chances of the other suspects getting a fair trial when their cases go to court.

The judge did not immediately rule on the application, but put an interim ban in place that prevents the publication of names or other identifying information of other suspects in connection with accusations heard in court.

Neither the interim ban nor the ban sought by the Crown block the media from reporting evidence presented during the trial.

Fourteen adult males and one youth face a number charges stemming from allegations they were involved in militia-style training north of Toronto, as well as plotting to blow up hydro installations and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and Canadian Broadcasting Corporation buildings in downtown Toronto.

In total, 17 suspects were arrested in a series of police raids in and around Toronto in June 2006, with one additional man picked up in a police operation two months later. Charges against three of the accused were later stayed.

Although the trial officially began Tuesday, the first witnesses are not expected to be called until May 27. Before then, defence lawyers will launch two constitutional challenges regarding the charges that were originally laid and wire taps that were used to gather evidence.

With files from the Canadian Press