14-year-old Nottinghamshire boy sentenced for terrorism offence
A 14-year-old boy from Nottinghamshire has admitted downloading a video which described how to make a bomb using household items.
The teen was charged with the terrorism offence after officers from Counter Terrorism Police East Midlands (CTPEM) arrested him in January this year, following concerns that he was carrying a knife.
The knife was found in his bedroom and he was charged with possession of an offensive weapon – for which he received a referral order for nine months.
During their investigation CTPEM also found a knuckleduster and a photo of extreme right-wing graffiti sprayed on a fence near his home.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with section 57 of the Terrorism Act 2006 (possession of items for a purpose connected with the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism).
That charge was later withdrawn and on his first appearance at Westminster Crown Court on July 14, he pleaded guilty to new charges put to him.
The boy admitted possession of an offensive weapon (the knuckleduster), racially aggravated criminal damage (graffiti) and S58 TACT (possession of the bomb-making video, useful to a person committing an act of terrorism).
On August 28 at Nottingham Youth Court, he was sentenced to a three-year youth rehabilitation order with electronic monitoring.
An order was also made depriving him of items seized during the investigation.
Det Insp Steve Shaw, who was senior investigating officer in the case, said: "It is worrying to think a person of such a young age could display these concerning thoughts and behaviours.
"Going from owning weapons, to spray-painting graffiti, to downloading a bomb-making tutorial, shows how his behaviour was escalating, which is why we stepped in and charged him when we did.
"I'd encourage all parents to check they know what their child is doing online.
"Know what kind of things they are reading and watching, who they are talking to, and what sites they are visiting.
“If you have any concerns, report it to us.
"You won't be wasting anyone's time, and we can help."
Report concerns to the police through their ACT Early scheme email at actearly.uk/