Two brothers from Birmingham plead guilty to terrorism offence

I reported on the first day of this trial last week. From Birmingham World

Two Birmingham brothers have today (10 July) pleaded guilty to a terrorism offence.

Muhammad Abdul Haleem Heyder Khan (21) and Muhammad Hamzah Heyder Khan (18) admitted engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorism under section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. This included completing application forms to join ISIS, the possible questions to which are mind boggling. The trial began last week but a guilty plea was submitted and accepted today. They will be sentenced on 11 September.

Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Payne, from CTP West Midlands CTU, said: “We welcome today’s guilty pleas by the pair, the weight of evidence against them clearly gave them no choice but to admit they were preparing to join and fight for a terrorist organisation. We will continue to protect local communities by working with partners and the CPS to pursue and prosecute all those who show support for terrorism. We work tirelessly to counter terrorism. Our absolute priority is to ensure the safety and security of the people who live, work and visit the West Midlands area.”