Counter Terrorism Policing North East has warned against online harms following the conviction of a teenager for terrorism offences.
The 17-year-old boy from Wakefield was 14 when he was arrested in November 2023. An intelligence led investigation into his online activity revealed an extremist mindset and a growing obsession with the manufacture of explosives.
The white-British teen openly shared his racist, homophobic and anti-Semitic views in online forums, where he also expressed a desire to join ISIL and make bombs.
Following his arrest, detectives found he had stored and shared terrorist material, including recipes for viable, home-made explosives and footage of a mass shooting in the US.
In September 2024, he was charged with three offences of possessing information useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism and one offence of disseminating terrorist publications. In May this year, he pleaded guilty to these offences on the basis of recklessness.
Today, Wednesday, July 29, he was sentenced to a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order and a 12-month Youth Rehabilitation Order. a forfeiture order for three digital devices and a quantity of cannabis was imposed, and he was ordered to pay a victim surcharge.
Head of Prevent and Interventions at Counter Terrorism Policing North East, Superintendent Matthew Davison said: “The number of young people in our case load continues to increase, fuelled by the volume of hate-filled propaganda that is readily available online.
“It is concerning to see someone’s views and behaviour escalate in this way. He was developing a library of terrorist publications, which he regularly shared with others. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of some very disturbing material and enough information to make his own explosives.
“It is important that young people understand the consequences of their online activity. Seeking and sharing harmful content has serious implications for their future, and in the wrong hands, it could also pose a threat to the safety of others.
“Friends and family play an important role in steering loved ones away from extremism and criminality before they go too far. If you’re worried that someone is being negatively influenced online, or is developing extreme views, I would urge you to visit the ACT Early website at actearly.uk, or call the Act Early Support Line on 0800 011 3764.