An Isle of Wight schoolboy who ‘looked for fellowship and comfort in the Islamic faith’ before then plotting to attack the Isle of Wight Festival, has been sentenced to 7 years in prison today (Monday).
The teen – who cannot be named for legal reasons – was arrested by Counter Terrorism Policing South East back in July 2022 after the FBI identified alarming communications on Discord, Reddit and Instagram. He was held for questioning for 6 days before being charged and put before Westminster Magistrates Court, later The Old Bailey and Winchester Crown Court.
The boy, who was just 15 years old at the time, has been remanded in youth detention since.
Following a 3-week trial at Kingston Crown Court back in January, a jury found the teenager – who has been diagnosed with autism – guilty of engaging in conduct in the preparation of terrorist acts, 3 counts of the dissemination of terrorist publications and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
The court heard how the teen researched ways in which to attack revellers at the 2022 Isle of Wight Festival, including information about fast lorries, but that he didn’t go ahead with his plans as he didn’t have access to a vehicle. Instead, he planned to carry out a knife attack at a local school – which included slicing teachers’ throats.
The court heard details of how the teen converted to Islam in 2021, going on to adopt an Islamic extremist mindset with homophobic and other extremist views. He shared Islamic State propaganda videos of beheadings and executions and expressed hatred for those who didn’t believe in God.
The boy became involved in an online anti-gay group and also showed support for the 2015 Charlie Hebdo attacks in France, stating that the shootings were ‘justified’.
Concerns had been raised about the boy’s behaviour and developing beliefs, but he wasn’t referred to the Home Office’s Prevent programme. It’s said that he was radicalised by Daesh propaganda.
On the day the teen planned to carry out the stabbings he was caught with a knife in his rucksack and a martyrdom letter addressed to his family.
Defending the teen, Rossano Scamardella, told the court that despite the preparation and extensive research conducted, the teenager can’t drive and had no access to a car, adding that the Isle of Wight Festival ‘came and went’ and no action was taken.
At today’s sentencing hearing, Justice Maura McGowan said that the schoolboy ‘knew the difference between right and wrong’ and that he was ‘previously warned about his views’ but continued to explore them nonetheless.
Justice McGowan also told the teen ‘you thought about killing 2 people who had offended you and your religion but both those 2 people had tried to help you’.
The teenager was handed a 7-year prison sentence with a further 1 year to be served on licence. He was given a 10-year terrorist notification requirement order and told to pay a £41 surcharge fee.
Detective Chief Superintendent Olly Wright, Head of CTPSE, has 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.”
Superintendent Rob Mitchelle, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Area Commander for the Isle of Wight, has 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”.
An application to lift reporting restrictions, allowing the boy to be named and the full story to be reported, was refused by the Judge at today’s sentencing hearing. In the public interest, Island Echo will be naming the convicted terrorist when reporting restrictions expire on his 18th birthday.
