An Isle of Wight teenager charged with preparing an act of terrorism is due to appear for trial at Winchester Crown Court in June.
As previously reported by Island Echo, the boy – who was 15 at the time – was quietly arrested on 11th July last year on suspicion of preparing an act of terrorism. He was nicked by specialist Counter Terrorism police following a tip-off from the FBI.
The teenager was held for questioning before being charged 6 days later. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on 18th July and was remanded in youth detention, appearing again at the Old Bailey in August.
The teen appeared at Winchester Crown Court via video link in November, after the case had been adjourned by the Central Criminal Court, where he faced 5 charges including 1 count of engaging in the preparation of an act of terrorism, 1 count of possession of a bladed article (knife) and 3 counts of dissemination of terrorist publications.
He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
It was previously revealed that the unidentified boy – who cannot be named for legal reasons – is alleged to support ISIS ideology and had started planning a terror attack with the Isle of Wight Festival as the target. He is accused of carrying out research on weaponry, vehicles and locations and had even written a goodbye note to his family.
The teen was due to appear in court for the trial today (Tuesday). However, it has now been confirmed that a plea and trial preparation hearing has been set for 2nd June at Winchester Crown Court.
The trial, which is still expected to last 3 weeks, is now listed for 2nd June 2023.
