Summary
The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons was jailed for 3 and a half years, plus one year on extended licence. He will also be subject to a 3 year Criminal Behaviour Order.
A Northumberland teenager has been sentenced after he was convicted of multiple terrorism offences.
He was found guilty by a jury following a three-week trial at Leeds Crown Court at the beginning of this year, of offences including membership of a proscribed organisation, possession and distribution of terrorist publications.
The teenager, who was 15 at the time, was arrested as part of an intelligence led operation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East, supported by Northumbria Police, on February 20, 2025, from his home address in Northumberland.
A significant element to his offending was discovered when officers seized his computer and mobile phone. Officers downloaded 4.8TB of data, with a total of 253,005 messages. He was part of 25 extreme right wing online chat groups on platforms such as Telegram, Snapchat, TikTok and Wire.
The defendant told the court he created an online persona to escape reality and his use of online platforms and social media escalated through his childhood.
But during searches at his home address, evidence was seized which revealed a deep-seated extreme right wing mindset. Items included knives, crossbow, air soft rifles, body armour, masks, flags and components to make explosives.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said: “We welcome the sentence handed down today and hope it acts as a warning to all about the dangers of extreme online content which can have real life consequences.
“Police and partner agencies continue to work tirelessly to tackle the threat posed by sharing and possession of extremist content online, and through the Prevent Strategy, protect young and vulnerable people against extremism in all its forms.
“If you are worried about someone you know expressing extreme views or hatred, then please trust your instincts and ACT Early to prevent people becoming involved in terrorism. I cannot stress that enough and you will not be wasting our time.
“We want you to know that support is out there for you and those you are worried about. By contacting the ACT Early website (www.actearly.uk) you can access specially trained staff who will confidentially listen to your concerns and consider the right approach to get that person the help they need before they go too far.”
Chief Superintendent Kevin Waring, area commander for Northumberland, said: “We are fortunate to live and work within such close-knit communities, and we recognise the impact cases such as this can have on us all.
“We want to reassure you that we are committed to working with our partners to keep you safe.
“This case highlights the dangers which exist online and the type of material young people can access.
“It is a reminder that we all need to be vigilant and if you do become worried about someone you know, see or hear something concerning then please come forward.
“You can share information at gov.uk/ACT. In an emergency, call 999.”