16 year old found guilty of terrorism offence

A 16 year old has been found guilty of one offence contrary to S5 Terrorism Act 2006, after a jury found that he had intended to commit an act of terrorism before being stopped by Counter Terrorism Policing North East (CTP NE).

He was arrested in June 2022 after an investigation by CTP North East. A digital search uncovered his extreme right-wing mindset and idolisation of convicted international terrorists.

The defendant cannot be named due to his age.

In January 2023, he pleaded guilty to six offences including four offences contrary to S2 TACT 2006 (Dissemination of Terrorist Publications), one offence contrary to S1 of the Terrorism Act 2006 (Encouragement of Terrorism) and one offence contrary to S139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Possession of a Bladed Article).

The defendant will be sentenced for all seven offences at Leeds Crown Court at a later date.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, the head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said: “Today’s verdict follows a thorough and comprehensive investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North- East.

“We are satisfied this individual acted in isolation and responded swiftly to prevent this escalating further. We’d like to reassure the public that there is no specific or increased threat to local communities as a result of this case.

“If you are worried about someone you know expressing extreme views or hatred, then please trust your instincts and ACT Early to prevent people becoming involved in terrorism.

“It can be hard to know what to do and who to turn to when a person you know is voicing concerning opinions. Maybe they are showing anger towards a particular group of people or an obsessive desire for ‘something to be done.

“We want you to know that support is out there both for you and those you are worried about. By visiting the ACT Early website you can access specially trained staff who will confidentially listen to your concerns and consider the right approach to get that person the help they need before they go too far.”

Image by Joshua Woroniecki from Pixabay