A 14-year-old boy from Nottinghamshire has been sentenced to a three-year youth rehabilitation order with electronic monitoring after pleading guilty to a terrorism offence.

The teen was charged with the terrorism offence after officers from Counter Terrorism Police East Midlands (CTPEM) arrested him in January this year, following concerns that he was carrying a knife.

The knife in question was found in his bedroom and he was charged with possession of an offensive weapon and received a referral order for nine months.

CTPEM also found a knuckle duster and a photo of extreme right-wing graffiti sprayed on a fence near his home and the boy was charged with section 57 of the Terrorism Act 2006 (possession of items for a purpose connected with the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism).

That charge was later withdrawn and he was further charged with possession of an offensive weapon (the knuckleduster), racially aggravated criminal damage (graffiti) and S58 TACT (possession of the bomb-making video, useful to a person committing an act of terrorism).

He pleaded guilty to the charges at Westminster Crown Court.

He has now been sentenced to a three-year youth rehabilitation order with electronic monitoring. An order was also made depriving him of items seized during the investigation.

Detective Inspector Steve Shaw said: “It is worrying to think a person of such a young age could display these concerning thoughts and behaviours.

“Going from owning weapons, to spray-painting graffiti, to downloading a bomb-making tutorial, shows how his behaviour was escalating, which is why we stepped in and charged him when we did.

“I’d encourage all parents to check they know what their child is doing online. Know what kind of things they are reading and watching, who they are talking to, and what sites they are visiting.

“If you have any concerns, report it to us. You won’t be wasting anyone’s time, and we can help.”