Terrorist, 21, plotted to buy a gun and kill Christian preacher in London’s Hyde Park

Edward Little pleaded guilty to plotting to murder Hatun Tash. From the Metro. Before you read further this is not the young man who slashed Miss Tash’s face at Speakers Corner in July 2021; he has never been named and charged, despite the number of witnesses, the police presence and the clear photographic evidence. 

Edward Little, from Brighton, pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey today. He planned to buy a gun to kill a Christian preacher and her camera crew at Speakers’ Corner as well as any police or soldiers in the area at the time, it was alleged.

Earlier this year, he denied preparing to commit acts of terrorism but changed his plea and admitted the charge today at the Old Bailey. Little, from Pelham Street, Brighton, entered his guilty plea by video link from Belmarsh jail.

The prosecution has stated that Little researched targets including Christian preacher Hatun Tash, military figures and members of the Metropolitan Police. But defence lawyer Tom Godfrey said Little only accepted targeting the preacher.

As he set off on September 23 last year, Little agreed to pay the taxi driver £300 to take him to Lewisham, south London, saying money was no problem.

He asked to stop at a mosque to pray but said he would do it in the cab after being told there was none on route.

When arrested, he was carrying a rucksack with £5,000 in cash, a passport and two mobile phones. Police later found an encrypted chat on one phone, setting out his attack plan and the gun purchase.

Little declined to answer questions in police interviews but his mood changed when he was shown a YouTube view of the preacher. He launched himself from his chair across the table at an officer, swinging repeatedly with his fists before being restrained.

Mr Justice Baker adjourned sentencing until July 21 and remanded Little into custody.