A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be identified due to his age, has denied plotting to carry out a terrorist attack on two mosques in Sutton, south London. The attacks were allegedly planned for August 28, according to the Old Bailey court.
The schoolboy faces charges of engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts and one count of racially aggravated criminal damage. He intends to plead not guilty to both charges. Appearing via videolink from youth detention accommodation, the boy confirmed his name and date of birth during a 15-minute hearing.
Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb described the allegations as "among the most serious." The boy was remanded in custody ahead of a trial scheduled for March 15 of next year at Kingston Crown Court. A formal plea hearing is anticipated in November.
Prosecutors allege the boy created a manifesto referencing inspiration from Adolf Hitler, as well as other right-wing extremists such as Brenton Tarrant, the perpetrator of the Christchurch mosque shootings, and Norwegian neo-Nazi Anders Breivik. The court heard he is said to have wanted to carry out the attacks under the pretense of converting to Islam.
The investigation into the alleged plot began when police, looking into a separate incident of racially aggravated criminal damage to a vehicle, discovered material in the boy's bedroom that suggested extreme right-wing beliefs. This discovery led to concerns that he was planning a terrorist attack.
The car damage, which involved a windscreen being smashed with a brick, was initially reported on July 9. Police seized the boy's mobile phone, laptop, and two notepads. Prosecutors stated that the manifesto clearly indicated he was motivated by an extreme right-wing ideology. The court also heard that the car damage was considered a "trial run" for a larger operation called "Operation Terrorise Sutton," which involved tyre-slashing and targeted attacks on vehicles.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London, stated that the charge is serious and likely to be concerning to the public, particularly the Muslim community. CTP London is working with the affected venues to provide updates, advice, support, and reassurance.