Teenager sentenced for planning terror attack

A 16-year-old has been sentenced for planning a terrorist attack.

The teenager has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty by a jury at Kingston Crown Court in February.

After a trial, the boy from the Isle of Wight was found guilty of one count of preparation of terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2000, three counts of dissemination of terrorist publications under Section 2 of the Terrorism Act 2006 and one count of having an article with a blade or point in a public place, contrary to Section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1998.

He cannot be named or identified for legal reasons.

The teenager was arrested in July 2022 following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) after he was found to be planning to attack people he believed had insulted Islam.

When he was arrest, the boy was found with a knife and notes that contained information relating to his plan. He had also shared terrorist publications with others online.

He was first charged in July 2022 then charged with additional crimes in November 2022.

Head of CTPSE, Detective Chief Superintendent Olly Wright said: “We know that terrorist groups use their toxic rhetoric to try exploit vulnerable people.

“This case was particularly concerning because a teenager had gone so far as taking active steps to prepare for an attack; thanks to a swift response we were able to stop him, and he has now been sentenced to imprisonment as a result of his actions.

“Where we can, we really do prefer to intervene early and divert young people away from extremism long before it gets to this point.

“So, if you are worried that someone you know is being drawn down a path of extremism, please do act by telling someone. There is support and advice available through ACT Early and Action Counters Terrorism.”

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Area Commander for the Isle of Wight, Superintendent Rob Mitchell said: “This is a really tragic case of a young boy who found himself exploited by Daesh propaganda.

“The most vulnerable people in our communities across Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight are at the greatest risk of being drawn towards terrorist activity, and potentially causing harm to themselves and others.

“We have excellent working relationships and information sharing agreements with our partners that allow us to quickly identify those at risk and protect people from harm.

“Cases of this nature are, thankfully, relatively rare, but I do understand this investigation will have had a significant impact on the people of Cowes and the Isle of Wight.

“No-one is exempt from the risk of extremism and terrorism, but together Action Counters Terrorism and if you have any concerns that someone you know has been, or is being, radicalised, you can Act Early to get them the help they need and deserve”.