A 15-year-old boy from the Isle of Wight appeared at the Old Bailey in London this morning (Thursday) charged with planning to carry out an ISIS-inspired terror attack.
As previously reported by Island Echo, the teenager was quietly arrested on suspicion of preparing an act of terrorism on Monday 11th July. He 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.
At the Magistrates Court hearing, it was revealed that the unidentified boy is alleged to support ISIS ideology and had started planning a terror attack with the Isle of Wight Festival as the target. He had carried out research on weaponry and had even written a goodbye note to his family.
At today’s hearing at the Central Criminal Court, the 15-year-old appeared by video link from the youth detention centre he is currently held at. He spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth, and sat in the room wearing a grey sweatshirt and black trousers. He was represented by Rossano Scamardella QC.
The teen, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was rumbled thanks to international efforts by the FBI, who tipped off Counter Terrorism officers here in the UK. When he was arrested he was found with a knife in his bag.
The unidentified male is accused of preparing terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, as outlined by prosecutor Serena Gates.
A plea and trial preparation hearing will take place on 4th November, with a trial date set for 18th April 2023 at Winchester Crown Court. The trial is expected to last 3 weeks.
He remains in youth detention.
