The sentencing of Muslim convert Nicky Reilly, who tried to kill diners in an Exeter restaurant, has been put off amid concerns about his mental health.
Reilly, 22, pleaded guilty last month to attempted murder and preparing an act of terrorism.
But he has since told psychiatrists that he had wanted to be a terrorist and kill people since 2003, the Old Bailey was told.
Defence barrister Kerim Fuad successfully applied for the sentencing to be put off until doctors were satisfied about his mental state.
He told Mr Justice Calvert-Smith that the outcome could affect the length of sentence he passed.
Mr Fuad said he had spoken to several doctors and there was concern that Reilly's extremist views, which appeared to have dissipated, could be triggered again in the future.
The court was given details of how dozens of customers at the Giraffe restaurant in Exeter, fled in panic when three soft drink bottles exploded in the toilets on May 22 this year.
Reilly intended to run out into the packed dining area clutching the caustic soda bottle bomb to his stomach, the court heard.
But he could not open the toilet cubicle door in the seconds after he set the bomb to explode. The delay caused the volatile nail-filled device to detonate in his hands, leaving him badly injured.
Reilly, of King Street, Plymouth, has learning difficulties and suffers from Asperger's syndrome. He was remanded in custody until January 30, next year.
