Tri-Service

Anzac Day Terror Plot Teen To Serve At Least Five Years In Custody

Britain's youngest terrorist has been given a life sentence and told he will serve at least five years in custody for plotting an Anzac Day terror attack in Australia.

Over the course of nine days in March this year the then 14-year-old boy took on the role of "organiser and adviser" to an alleged Australian jihadist in a plot to murder police officers by beheading in Melbourne the following month.

The "major terrorist plot in its late stages" was thwarted when authorities in Britain and Australia intervened and 18-year-old Sevdet Besim was arrested in possession of a knife a week before the annual war remembrance event.

Mr Justice Saunders told Manchester Crown Court: "Thanks to the intervention of the police in this country and in Australia, that attack and the deaths which were intended to follow never happened.

"Had the authorities not intervened, (the defendant) would have continued to play his part hoping and intending that the outcome would be the deaths of a number of people."

"In March 2015 he would have been pleased if that had happened. He would have welcomed the notoriety that he would have achieved."

He continued: "The revelation in this case that someone of only 14 could have become so radicalised that he was prepared to carry out this role intending and wishing that people should die is chilling."

Mr Justice Saunders said the defendant's life term meant he would not be released until he is considered not to be dangerous.

Mr Justice Saunders ruled that reporting restrictions which ban the identification of the defendant should remain. Picture: Stephen Richards

The defendant was said to have made "considerable progress" at the detention centre where he is held and people dealing with him on a day-to-day basis, together with experts, are "optimistic" that progression will continue and he will become de-radicalised. The judge continued:

"I very much hope that the risk will have been removed in five years and he can be released and realise his considerable potential in society."

The youth, from Blackburn, Lancashire, found an online jihadist community through his first smartphone which "filled a void" caused by problems he was having at school and at home as well as a degenerative eye condition.

He exchanged more than 3,000 encrypted mobile app messages with Besim after he became swiftly radicalised by online Islamic State propaganda.

He was re-arrested on April 2 when "disturbing material" was found on electronic devices seized from his bedroom.

Three days later the police acted and Besim was arrested where he was found to be in possession of a knife, the court heard.

Knives and a large Shahada flag were recovered from his home, along with a phone that contained a martyrdom message. He's now awaiting trial in Australia next year.

Mr Justice Saunders said the day of the planned attack was chosen because of "its importance to Australia and its people" when those who have died in conflict are honoured.

The judge said there was no certainty on the evidence as to how long it would take to disengage him from violent behaviour in support of his cause.

He explained that in concluding the minimum term he had take into account his age, welfare and the prevention of offending. The judge concluded:

"The authorities have committed a large amount of resources to (the defendant). I hope that they will continue to do so in the interests not only of (the defendant) but of the wider community."