Another member of the "Toronto 18" group that plotted attacks on city buildings has pleaded guilty to a terrorism charge.

Saad Gaya, 21, pleaded guilty Monday in a Brampton, Ont., court to intentionally trying to cause an explosion for a terrorist group. At the time of his arrest in June 2006, Gaya was a high school honour student.

Gaya's lawyer Paul Slansky said Monday his client was duped by other members of group, was assured no one would be injured, and was unaware of the bomb plot.

Certain people had certain plans that were not communicated to Mr. Gaya," Slansky said.

"Mr. Gaya will be taking the position that he did not know their plans. He in fact had asked for assurances that there would not be harm to people."

If Gaya had been aware that they meant to kill people then he would not have joined, Slansky said.

Gaya is the third adult to admit guilt in the plot, which was never carried out.

Last week, Mohamed Ali Dirie, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of participating in the activities of a terrorist group. He is to be sentenced Friday.

Sentence coming in January

His plea came four months after Saad Khalid, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of participating in a militant plot with the intention of causing an explosion. He was sentenced earlier in September to 14 years in prison, but was credited with seven years for time already served.

Slansky said Monday he doubted Gaya would get a similar sentence.

"I think it would be highly unusual for my client to get a sentence as much as Mr. Khalid got. He would probably get somewhat less, maybe significantly less," Slansky said.

Gaya's sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 21 and the judge is to hand down a sentence Jan. 6. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

The only case involving the group to go trial concluded a year ago.

Nishanthan Yogakrishnan, a minor at the time of his arrest, was tried under youth justice laws and convicted in September 2008 of conspiring to bomb several targets. He was the first person convicted under Canada's anti-terrorism laws.

The presiding judge found he had continued his activity with the group past his 18th birthday, so he was sentenced as an adult in May, getting a 2½-year prison term. The judge then freed him, granting him credit for time already spent in custody.

In all, 17 men and youths were arrested in the Toronto area in June 2006 and detained following an investigation by CSIS. An 18th person was arrested in August that year.

Seven of the 18 people arrested have since had their charges dropped or stayed. Another seven are now in custody awaiting trial.

Their identities cannot be revealed under a publication ban.