Teen charged with 4 terrorism offences pleads Not Guilty – trial to be held in 2023

From the Island Echo. The Isle of Wight is (or was) an old fashioned tranquil place. 

A 15-year-old boy from the Isle of Wight – who cannot be named for legal reasons – has pleaded not guilty to 4 terrorism offences including planning to carry out an ISIS-inspired terror attack.

The unnamed teen appeared at Winchester Crown Court via video link this morning (Friday) charged with 5 offences including 1x engaging in the preparation of an act of terrorism, 1x possession of a bladed article (knife) and 3x counts of dissemination of terrorist publications.

During this morning’s hearing in Winchester, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all 5 charges put before him.

It has previously been 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 is accused of carrying out research on weaponry, vehicles and locations and had even written a goodbye note to his family.

It is now also known that the accused is alleged to have made available 3 videos encouraging terrorism on 19th June and 28th June this year.

The teen 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, something he denies.

The 15-year-old – who is currently being housed in a secure children’s home – has been remanded in custody to appear at Winchester Crown Court for his trial on Tuesday 18th April 2023. The trial is expected to last around 3 weeks.